Getting back on campus is great, but there are other ways to make up your mind.
Q: I’ve been admitted to several colleges. How can I choose by May 1?
A: It certainly is an anxious and unpredictable time! Even more so for high school seniors who are awaiting final decisions and feeling the pressure of the impending deadline to select a college.
The good news is that many colleges have gone back to in-person admitted student visit days. These are great and allow students to see the school through a different lens: one of a shopper and not an applicant. But what if you can’t attend?
Participate in virtual events. Many colleges are hosting virtual visit days for admitted students. You’ll be able to interact with faculty, speak with current students, and view some of the facilities.
Talk to a current student. If you don’t know someone from your high school or hometown that attends, call the admission office. They’re happy to make a connection.
Reach out to faculty in your area(s) of interest. Most faculty are happy to answer the questions of admitted students. And if they won’t make themselves available, well, that tells you something too.
Join the admitted student group online. These could be your future classmates. Do you like what you see and hear?
Read the college newspaper. Most college papers are online and searchable. What events intrigue you? What are students complaining about? Is the general vibe activist, collegiate, intellectual, humorous?
Ask for more time. If a college does not extend their enrollment deadline, call and ask if they will extend to give you time to make a decision.
But don’t double deposit!! Sending in two deposits is a violation of the NACAC guidelines and could result in you having both acceptances revoked. At the end of the day, you will need to go with your gut and choose. And if you’re really undecided, it’s probably because you are choosing from among several schools that are outstanding choices. And, most likely, there is no bad choice!