You’ve been accepted! All of your hard work is starting to pay off and now you’re lucky
enough to be able to choose where you would like to go. Let’s go through the steps you should
take before hitting “accept” on a school’s offer.
Compare Financial Aid
Once you receive the email that you have been accepted, your financial aid package and
or information will be sent a week or so later. After you receive that information, compare it to
what other schools are offering you. Compare the costs of each school along with the financial
aid they are offering.
Research
Although you may have researched a school before applying, you are now accepted into
the school therefore you are looking at it a bit differently. You can now fully picture yourself at
the school meaning you want to do deeper research. Look at academic programs, clubs, sports,
the campus location and size. Research the different housing options as you will have to look for
housing once you accept the schools offer. Researching the school constantly never hurts as it
may be your future home!
Attend Admitted Students Events
After decisions have been sent out, most schools will have various admitted student days
or events. These events are celebrating your acceptance to the school. They are filled with
information, allow for questions, and allow you to speak with current students. These events also
allow you to meet other admitted students and participate in social events.
Make a pros and cons list
Rank your schools then create a pros and cons list based on your top 3 schools and your
priorities. Even though you may have a dream school, you want to be sure to still include their
weakness or thighs they lack. Doing this will allow you to have a clear idea of what exactly your
top schools have to offer.Accept or Decline
Once you have done these steps you want to give your schools a response whether it is to
accept or decline. When you have accepted one school’s offer, decline all offers. This is an
important step because this allows for others that are on the waitlist to be accepted. After, the
school you have chosen will give you follow up steps which may include paying a deposit,
signing up for orientation or start applying for housing.
Helpful Links
Accepted to Multiple Colleges? How to Confirm or Reject
Making Your Final College Choice: How to Decide Where to Attend