Now That You Have Been Accepted to Several Colleges, What Do You Do Next?
/Now That You Have Been Accepted to Several Colleges, What Do You Do Next?
Congratulations! You have received multiple acceptances to Colleges around the country, which is a major accomplishment. As the College Admissions season slowly comes to an end, students and families across the nation are facing a thrilling yet daunting reality: making the decision of where to attend College before the May 1st commitment deadline. This decision will shape your academic journey, social life, and future career. So, how do you make the best choice?
First and foremost, the primary reason for attending College is to get a quality education. Therefore, the academic program associated with your declared major at each school should be a top consideration. Ask yourself: What is the reputation of the program you're interested in? Are there renowned faculty members or research opportunities?
College life extends beyond the classroom, and finding a social environment that fits your personality and interests is crucial. I attended USC as an Undergraduate and UCSD for my Medical and Graduate studies. This experience was as similar as living on Mars vs. Venus. While Saturdays at USC in the fall were exciting and festive in anticipation of the football game later that day, Saturdays at UCSD were more studious and usually revolved around a nice hike in the afternoon at Torrey Pines. My advice is to attend an official “Accepted Student Tour” while classes are in session, which is different than a standard tour, because the focus will be to recruit you to commit to their University. Talk to current students to gain insight into the social dynamics on campus. College is about more than just academics—it’s about making lifelong connections and having experiences that will shape you as a person.
The school’s location plays a huge role in your overall experience. Consider geography, climate, and proximity to or distance from home. The city that the College is located in also affects access to internships, job opportunities, and networking, especially if you plan to work in a specific region after graduation. It’s not a coincidence that USC and NYU are tied for #1 in the nation for Cinema-Television every year.
A College’s reputation can play a significant role in the opportunities available to you during and after College. Studying Business Administration at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, Physics at CalTech, Artificial Intelligence at MIT, Literature at the University of Chicago, or Music at Julliard could change the trajectory of the rest of your life. Decision makers in the private sector will be falling over each other trying to recruit you when it comes time to begin your career. Furthermore, a strong Alumni Network can provide valuable connections, internships, and job prospects.
Additionally, the quality of campus facilities can have a big impact on your College experience. Some facilities to consider include: Libraries, study spaces, computer labs, career counseling centers, academic advising offices, mental health services, athletic facilities, gyms, recreation centers, on-campus housing, and dining options. Keep in mind that housing is a big deal when selecting a campus in California, as the on-campus and off-campus housing shortage has been one of the main reasons why students find themselves in a bind before starting classes. A well-equipped campus can make your day-to-day life more comfortable and enjoyable, and having access to the right resources can enhance your academic and personal success.
Lastly, trust your instincts. After evaluating all of the logistical and academic factors, take a moment to reflect on how each school makes you feel. Where do you see yourself thriving, both academically and socially? Which College feels like the best fit for who you are and who you want to become? Your College experience will shape your future, so make sure the decision you make aligns with your long-term goals and values.
For many, the Financial Aid award plays a crucial role in the decision making process. If cost is a significant factor, some schools may offer better financial support than others. Don’t forget to also explore outside scholarships, work-study opportunities, and internships that can help reduce costs. What if the Financial Aid offer isn’t enough to cover the full cost of attendance? Can you request a better Financial Aid package?
The vast majority of students do not realize that they can negotiate their Financial Aid offers that accompany their College acceptances. Many families are surprised to learn that Colleges and Universities are also open to revising their Financial Aid packages based on new information or changing circumstances. Traditionally, decisions are made at the family dinner table with the assumption that what was offered is somehow set in stone. The reality is that Colleges and Universities around the country expect that admitted students will come to them with multiple offers and negotiate a comparable Financial Aid package.
It is important to have the right representation and Consultant in your corner during these negotiations. We will walk you through the process of negotiating your Financial Aid offer and provide strategies to help you secure the best possible Financial Aid package for your family. Contact DowEdu today for Financial Aid Consulting services to make sure that you have the proper representation in your corner to save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your 4 year College education.
Remember, no matter where you choose to go to College, your journey is just beginning!