You got your College Decision Letter…Now What?

If you got Accepted: Congratulations! You worked hard for this and deserve to savor the moment. Take some time to celebrate!  

1. Carefully Review your Acceptance Letter 
   • Check financial aid information 
     • If you have been accepted to multiple schools, compare the financial aid packages to see which option works best for you. 
2. Make note of deadlines 
   • Check for decision deadlines. Most schools will require you to make your choice by May 1st but confirm your deadline ahead of time. 
   • Look for prospective students’ events. These’ll help you get a feeling for campus life. Events include admitted student visit days, the chance to sit in on classes, overnight stays, and more! What’s available varies from school to school. Take full advantage, especially if you are on the fence.  
3. Confirm your decision with the school 
   • Check your acceptance letter for instructions on how to confirm your spot.  
4. Congratulations, you’re going to college! 

• • Keep an eye out for information from your school on deposit deadlines, class registration dates, housing and dining packages, and more! 

If you got Waitlisted: 

1. Don’t panic 
   • It’s important that you keep your head on straight and stay focused on your goals. You have plenty of options to consider! Start by accepting your spot on the waitlist. You can also submit a letter of continued interest to demonstrate your commitment to attending. Pro Tip: Include any new accomplishments you’ve achieved since submitting your application. 
2. Consider you other options 
   • If you don’t make it off the waitlist, have a backup plan. Check out your second-choice schools and/or other colleges you have been accepted to. Sometimes a second look will help you uncover that your first choice wasn’t the best choice after all!  
   • You can also choose to transfer to your first pick in the future. Community college is a good, cost-effective option if you plan to transfer.  
3. Plan accordingly  
4. • After carefully considering your options, it’s time to make your plan. If you will be attending a different school, reference the beginning of this blog post!  Planning on attending a community college and transferring in the future? Research what classes you should take to rack up transferable credits. 

If you got Denied:  

1. Allow yourself to be sad 

1. • Being denied isn’t a good feeling, and you’re valid in your disappointment. Allow yourself to feel sad in the moment, take some time to process your emotions. However, now is not the time to give up!  
2. Don’t panic, consider your options 
   • Remember, you have other options: another 4-year university, a community college, a trade program, an apprenticeship, or the military. There are plenty of pathways you can take.  
3. Plan accordingly  
   • After carefully considering your options moving forward, it’s time to act. If you need more time to figure out your next move, try to line up employment to save some money. A good first step is attending a job/career fair. Consider a trade – check out the programs and paying apprenticeships at your local community college. Planning on attending a community college and transferring? Research what classes will transfer over as credits for the degree you’ll pursue.