Dear Soon to be College Freshman:
Now that all the acceptance letters are in, please take a moment (even longer) to reflect on your achievements.
Not the acceptances, but the personal growth and resilience that you have demonstrated during this stage of your life. You have persevered through a mountain of information and opinions; and in light of a rigorous senior year of academics and activities, you have completed the daunting task of presenting your best in the college admission process. You researched, prepared for interviews, wrote and re-wrote lots of essays, you honed your advocacy skills, you became more aware of your strengths, preferences and goals; and we could add more and more to all the ‘good’ such a complex, sometimes unfair process presented you!
Now, you are ready to make a well-informed decision.
You have about 20 days before the May 1st deadline to notify (accept) the college of your choice (please do not wait until May 1st).
Do take time to do what you have learned to do well through this process – ask questions from the various colleges, visit the college if possible, reflect, talk to mom and dad, reach out to college students and admissions for impressions / opinions, think four years, attend college receptions in your area, speak to people who know you well.
I have attached a Gallup Poll Checklist that you might find helpful in reflecting about a particular college. Also, I include this twitter conversation that one senior used to determine the right college fit - FASCINATING; twitter actually facilitated a great discussion resulting in a final decision.
For now, be sure you keep up with your email and college accounts for pertinent information and instructions for matriculating. Notify those colleges in which you know you will NOT be attending so that your space and scholarships might be redirected to other students. And when you are sure, complete the enrollment forms and deposits before May 1st, secure housing, connect socially. Remember, you can only accept 1 offer. This is also the time for parents to schedule phone conferences with financial aid officers for Q&A, appeals, clarity, etc.(again, think 4 years).