March brings some of the happiest emails! Many students are receiving emails beginning with “You’re in!”, “Congratulations!”, or “We are pleased to offer you admission…” This is such an exciting time! After months of applications, essays, FAFSA forms, and lots of waiting the past couple months, acceptance letters, and soon award letters, are finally arriving. This is truly worth celebrating. Some students will find that they have been accepted to several colleges, which means that after the excitement settles, they have to start asking new questions and make big decisions. Now that you’re accepted, how do you decide which school to choose?
When looking at which school to go to, there are few things to consider. While a final decision likely won’t be made until that award letter arrives, there are still things you can think about to narrow down your choices. I suggest looking at the full picture. What school is going to be the best academic fit, provide the campus experience you want, and then, which is most affordable or aligns with your financial situation. Here’s a walk through how to make a confident, thoughtful choice.
Step 1: Read Every Admission Letter Carefully
Don’t just skim the congratulations at the top. Admission letters (and portals) often include important details about honors programs, special scholarships, housing priority deadlines, required next steps, and enrollment deposit deadlines.
Remember that each college sets its own timeline. Some deposits are due as early as April, while others follow the traditional May 1 deadline, which is also known as National College Decision Day! Make sure you know the exact deadline for each school along with the deposit amount and whether or not it is refundable. Missing this date could mean losing your spot at the school. Therefore, make sure it is marked on your calendar!
Step 2: Revisit Academic and Personal Fit
While you wait for financial aid information and award letters, revisit the non-financial factors.
Students should consider how they feel about each campus – are they excited about it? Are the academic programs strong in student’s intended areas of study? What opportunities are available at each school – such as internship opportunities or career placement outcomes? Can you picture yourself there for 4 years? These are things students should think about, as you might be able to rule some schools out based on these items.
If possible, I highly suggest students attend admitted days. Sometimes being able to walk the campus again and talk to current students provides clarity.
Step 3: Wait for (and Review) the Financial Aid Offer
Affordability will likely be the ultimate deciding factor. Admission and financial aid are separate processes. Just because a student is admitted to a school does not mean the school is affordable. The financial aid award letter is what turns an acceptance into a real option.
When award letters arrive, you’ll need to review every detail thoroughly. Look and compare each item. If you’ve been offered grants or scholarships, that is money that doesn’t need to be repaid! Take these into consideration, especially in comparison to loan amounts and the total cost of attendance. Once you’ve looked at the numbers and have your estimated out of pocket responsibility you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision.
Step 4: Compare the Real Cost
Colleges can sometimes format their award letters differently, which makes comparison confusing. One school may look generous at first glance, but includes more loans or has a greater out-of-pocket expense. Another may appear smaller in award, but actually offers more aid that doesn’t need to be repaid or the overall cost is more affordable.
This is why side-by-side comparison matters.
When you see that school A is offering $25,000 and school B only offers $18,000, it might seem like school A is the winner. However, these numbers don’t tell you the full story.
A larger scholarship at a higher-cost school may still leave you paying more overall. It’s important to remember that the goal isn’t the biggest scholarship; it’s the best overall financial fit. It is also worth mentioning that the “best” school is not always the most prestigious one. It’s the one that balances opportunity with financial sustainability.
Step 5: Don’t Rush the Decision
March feels urgent. Friends are announcing their school choices, schools are asking for decisions, and you’re anxious to finish the process and move onto the next steps.
However, you do not have to decide right away. Take the time to review every offer carefully, ask questions – lots of them, clarify confusing award details, and lastly, sleep on it and discuss thoroughly with your family.
You don’t want to make a decision under pressure or from stress. Make a confident choice with thoughtful consideration.
Congratulations on Your Acceptance!
Being accepted is something to celebrate. You earned it! Selecting a college is about finding the right balance between academic opportunity, ideal campus environment, and your financial reality.
Your final decision should feel exciting, but also sustainable.
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.