I got in! Now what? 

Next Steps Checklist

Weigh your options with trusted adults and have conversations with them:

• Read all email from the colleges you have been admitted to, in their entirety, every day, and follow up on all tasks. Students must create college accounts and check their email at each college they have been admitted to. Financial aid offers will be posted in their college accounts. 

• DO NOT pay any enrollment fees/deposits until you and your trusted adults have reviewed and discussed financial aid offers from ALL the schools you have been admitted to. 

• Money Matters
  • Review financial aid offers from multiple schools (if applicable)

  •  Consider requesting a Financial Aid Appeal from the colleges you are accepted into. You can appeal your financial aid offer if you meet certain circumstances like a parent has reduced income or have unexpected financial situations. The College Essay Guy has a few examples of financial aid appeal letters. 

  • Compare out-of-pocket costs at each school

  • Understand the full cost of college, housing, textbooks, transportation (bus, car, plane tickets), fees, food & personal items

  • Have an honest conversation about college costs and financial aid offers with the adult(s) who will be financially supporting you (parent, legal guardian)

  • Which college is the best financial fit for me and my family? 

• Academic and College Life Matters
  • Which college has the major I want to study? 

  • Which college has the campus life I want to participate in? 

 

Make the Decision: 

• Formally accept admission to your chosen college

• Accept financial aid offer, and accept/decline/modify student loan offers

• Complete your college's New Student Checklist

• Identify housing (submit housing applications if living in a dorm)

• Have at least one conversation with a college adviser:

  • Is there a summer bridge program or new student orientation available? Register!

  • Which classes can I register for? How do I register?

  • What resources are available to me and how do I access them? (first-generation college student support, tutoring, study abroad, disability, mental health, gym/club sports, student clubs, etc)

  • Dorm/roommate requests, if applicable? 

  • Move-in dates, if applicable?