Your entire academic career has depended on this moment. The letter that either reads “Congratulations!” or “We regret to inform you. . ..” is the very thing that will define the rest of your academic journey and future. It’s a lot of pressure. But before you know it, you’re hands are tearing the envelope. You pull the letter out in the open and prepare yourself.

“Congratulations!”

You got accepted into college…now what?

1. Research, research, and then research some more

Although this may be your dream college and you are so eager to report back that you will be attending, research as much as you can about the school. What is the graduation rate? What is the school known for? What are some attractions around the school? Or even research the basics if you haven’t, like tuition costs and majors. 

The best way to get your information is from the school itself. Reading from opinionated articles won’t do you any good. Gather some information from the school website and contact the school admissions office to help get you started. They are always happy to help you through this process. Trust me, there are absolutely no stupid questions you’ve asked that I already haven’t. So I can reassure you that no question will make the school think less of you. 

2. Visit on campus

Through your research, you may find opportunities to visit some campuses. You can schedule a visit through the school’s admissions office to figure out a date that works best for you. 

According to the student handbook, a student can request three “College Visit Days” by the beginning of their junior year. Requests should be made at least two weeks before the visit to the Guidance department. A form will be available upon request for a signature of approval from the guidance department as well. It is also important you have a signature from the college so that your excuse can be properly placed. There are no college visits to be approved during the last two weeks of school. 

Visiting campuses can be very beneficial when weighing your college options. It gives you the chance to experience college instead of looking at it through a computer screen. Depending on the school, you can even make special requests for things you want to see on campus. Some schools even offer overnight visits where you can experience dorm room life! Education is one thing, but the environment in which you are receiving your education is another. Make sure you’re making the best possible choice for yourself. 

3. Ask for advice

It’s always great to get an outsider’s perspective on your top college choices. Your parents, trusted adults, or a school guidance counselor are some people you can reach out to. Allow them to read over your research and discuss what the campuses were like. They can give you some more ideas on what else to research or what they may know about the college. They can give you a perspective you haven’t thought of before. 

4. Weigh your options

Now that you’ve been provided with the right amount of information, it is time to weigh your options. Maybe by now, you have already decided on what college you want to attend. But if you’re still deciding, there are some things to consider when making your decision. What are some financial considerations? Are there any specific factors that grab your attention? For example, I’m looking for a Christian college so that would be a factor I’m considering. What kind of housing is available? Where is the school located? Does the college offer extracurriculars that catch your interest? It’s okay if you have to pro/con list the decision. As long as you’re making the decision that is right for YOU! 

5. Prepare!

Now that you’ve decided, it is time to start preparing for your new school. Some schools ask for an enrollment deposit, so you must put that in when you can or by the due date. Make sure you’re filling out some financial paperwork if needed like FAFSA or any other financial offers from the school. Apply to dozens of scholarships if you have to. Then you can be on the lookout for enrollment and orientation in the future. If the school offers some student events or meetups, you should attend. Make sure to also follow their social media platforms to keep up with upcoming events and announcements. 

And just as a bonus, get all college merchandise crazy!

Now that you have taken all the steps for making your college decision, you’re set to go. The rest of your year or years should be a breeze until college. Take the time now to enjoy the last remaining moments of high school. You got accepted into college! Congratulations!

For those of you who may need help with looking for scholarships, I’ve provided some scholarship finders that could help you in your search. 

https://bold.org/

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

https://clarityschools.com/

https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/