I Got Accepted to College! Now What?
I Got Accepted to a College!
You may start to get acceptances from rolling and early action schools now. After all your hard work, that’s the best news ever! Keep track of anything required, but in general, you should hang tight even while the school sends you approximately 967 emails each day pressuring you to commit.
Under no circumstance should you put down an enrollment deposit-- you can only put down an enrollment deposit at one school-- until you are certain you want to attend the school. This usually means you have ruled out other viable options and that you understand your financial aid package. Do not let a school rush this process for you. Most schools do not require an enrollment deposit until late spring.
*Note that some schools have very tight housing, and some families choose to put down housing deposits even in the absence of committing to the school through an enrollment deposit.
Special Considerations: Early Action Restrictive
If you were admitted under a Restrictive Early Action program at a school like Stanford or Princeton, amazing job! You also may keep your applications in at other schools and even apply to additional schools. Go right ahead! You don’t have to make any decisions now other than whether to stick with what you have or apply out in addition.
If, on the other hand, you know you plan to attend your Restrictive Early Action school, please accept the offer and withdraw all your other applications in fairness to other applicants.
Special Considerations: Early Decision
If you were admitted by Early Decision under a binding agreement, congratulations to you as well! You are all set. You may need to send in an enrollment commitment and deposit soon, so check your deadlines, and make sure to send mid-year grades and any additional financial information required.
You must withdraw your applications to other schools now.
Keep reading next month for how you can follow up from the less-happy news of deferrals and wait lists.
In the meantime, if you are getting ready to accept an offer but unsure how to understand the financial commitment, check out my blog post: How to Read Your Financial Award Letter.
