The Final Decision

Admission decisions have been made, and some very happy students now have the enviable problem of deciding which college they want to attend.

From now until the May 1 notification deadline, the tables are turned as admission officers try to win over newly admitted students. There will be flattering letters, phone calls, and invitations to fun-filled programs offered by schools designed to get prospective freshmen excited about attending their school.

Students should remember that these programs will paint the schools in the best light. Students should learn everything they can before making a final decision, so it’s a good idea to look beyond the nice receptions and speeches. For students deep in decision-making, consider skipping these events and instead, visiting the college on a more typical day.

Ideally, students would be able to visit the colleges on their final list, walk across each campus, eat lunch in the dining hall and see if they can picture themselves at each of their finalists. Many colleges, however, still have strict restrictions on campus visits, so families would be wise to check the school policy before planning a trip. If the campus is closed to visitors, students will have to use virtual visits and conversations to get a better feel for each school. If colleges are allowing in-person visits, set up a visit time well in advance of the trip.

During a visit, spend time in the student union or library talking with students about the college. It’s better to find out now pertinent information like exactly how hard it is to get into popular classes, that everyone goes home on weekends, or there’s little social life without joining a sorority or fraternity. This is also the time to sit in on a couple of classes and talk to students in an intended major.

“It seems like a huge decision right now, but if a student applied to colleges that are good matches, there are no wrong decisions. ”

Students from Los Angeles considering a college in Chicago might have the admission office arrange a meeting with a student from California to find out what it’s like to adjust to long cold winters. Talk to friends who have gone off to college on the East Coast and ask how they manage being far from home. Preferences can change during senior year, and students who start their college applications thinking they want to go across the country sometimes realize later that they want to be able to easily come home for a weekend. Students can contact former students from their high school who are currently attending the colleges they’re considering and ask if they’d make the same choice today. And due to COVID, many colleges are offering a variety of different ways to connect virtually with current students, deans, and administrators. Take advantage of these options; getting as much information as possible will help with an informed decision.

Comparing financial aid offers is another major factor in making a final decision. If attending a third-choice college means graduating with little or no debt, that college might move up to the first choice. Financial considerations could be especially important if a student is planning to go on to law, medical or graduate school or will be embarking on a lower-paying career after graduation.

It seems like a huge decision right now, but if a student applied to colleges that are good matches, there are no wrong decisions.