Q: I was planning on going back to visit several colleges before deciding where to attend. But now that everything's closed due to COVID-19, 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.

There is some good news. Over thirty colleges and universities have extended their enrollment decision date to June 1, and we hope that others will follow suit.

That still doesn’t address the question of how to choose a college if you can’t get there to visit. While we understand that the situation is not ideal, there is a lot you can do.

• 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!