Seniors…you are nearly at the end of your college process! At this point, you might be waiting to hear back from what should only be a handful of schools, but your wheels are turning as you inch closer to making a final decision on where you will attend this Fall. So much has happened from the early moments of even wrapping your head around applying to college to being at this point of making what is an exciting, but big, decision! Be proud of your growth throughout the process.  It might not feel that significant, but it is!  This is often the first time students have to make big decisions for themselves, write essays in a personalized way, face rejection, and much more.  There are many essential takeaways from this process. 

Here are some points to consider when selecting which college you will attend:

• First, remember that you have thoughtfully built a list of schools that you could see yourself attending for multiple reasons. So, there should be no “wrong choice,” but now it’s about finding the best choice. 
• Consider fit in multiple ways and come back to the preferences you took into consideration when developing your list:  
  • academic setting (classroom size, supports), social scene (how will you get involved), campus size, and location, for starters.  Maybe there is more for you, let’s say… how is the food?  Can I have a car?
• Understand the financial commitment! Did you receive merit scholarships?  What will be the total cost of attendance (COA) over 4 years? Have these conversations at home.
• Attend Admitted Students Day!  This is a great way to get back on a campus and be among other admitted students. 
• Lastly, weigh the pros and cons of each school. This will help you visualize more specifically and see what factors and schools are standing out to you the most. 
• If you have been waitlisted, you still need to select another school until you hear back from the waitlist (after May 1st).  If you are admitted off a waitlist, you may switch schools, but you will lose the deposit at the original college. 

As always, your Campus Bound counselor is here to help you process all your outcomes and answer any questions you have.  The last bit of advice is, let go of the schools that did not work out (we promise things happen for a reason!) and celebrate the amazing opportunities that are waiting for you.  Congratulations on all your hard work!