Everyone says that college admissions is super competitive, but so is enrollment apparently. The tables have turned and the colleges are ready to turn on the charm to roll your acceptance letter into a real enrollment at their institution. Just like you worried about your chances of getting in, your future college is worried about getting you to enroll after they accept you. The percentage of students who matriculate out of all of those accepted is a concept called “yield”, which factors into how colleges are scored in rankings. (Institutions with higher yield are considered more desirable and therefore, are ranked higher.) Now it’s your turn to see which college, vying for your enrollment is the right fit for you.
According to a U.S. News and World Report article by Kim Clark, college acceptances are getting “glitzier” than ever this year. Why? Well, simply put, the colleges want to make an impression and stand out as you are making your big decision. Some colleges are notifying students of acceptances (and rejections) via text messages, others are sending texts, t-shirts, congratulatory videos and party packets complete with confetti.
Take a moment to celebrate, you earned it! Then, start the evaluation process. When you applied to these colleges, they took the time to carefully review your application and decide whether or not you would be a good fit for their institutional goals. Fortunately, they decided that you are right for their future. Now it’s time for you to decide which college is going to be right for your future.
Here are five great tips to help you review your acceptance offers:
1. Take your time. In most cases, you will have at least a month to think about where you will actually go to college.
2. Research and revisit your college options. Pay serious attention to the academic and social climate of the campus, as well as the dining and housing options, and other things that you will have to deal with daily if you enroll there. Talk candidly with current students and with alumni about their experiences as students at the institution. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable in the environment and if you can handle being there for four years or more.
3. Check out the financial aid offers carefully. Which colleges are more likely to require more student loans? Think about the true costs of your college options like the cost of on- and off-campus rent, transportation, meals and activities.
4. Trust your instincts! College is a big investment of time and money and how you feel about it counts a great deal. If you have two or more choices, it may be wise to go with the one that just feels right for you.
5. Talk frankly with your parents and your counselor about your feelings and your reasons for wanting to go to each college on your list of acceptances. Ask them for input and listen carefully to their opinions to get different perspectives on the possibilities.