You're In! Now What?

The agonizing months of waiting are finally over! You've received your letters of admission, as well as your financial aid packages (hopefully). It's exciting, but it also can be confusing, especially when those letters present a lot information in different ways. How do you choose which school to attend? How do you compare financial aid packages without losing your mind? It's such an important decision - how do you know if you're making the right one? Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you choose wisely:

- First, breathe!!! You know you're going to college in the fall, and that's awesome news! These schools accepted you for a reason - they think you will be a successful student at their institution, and they want you to be a part of their community. Take the pressure off of yourself - your hard work has paid off! Making any important life decision when you’re anxious, worried, or upset is never a good idea, so do your best to be well rested and calm.

- Next, go visit the colleges and universities that have accepted you. If possible, attend the admitted students day on each campus, and don't be afraid to ask questions! This is your chance to find out everything that you need to know to make your decision, so don't be shy. It's the *school's* turn to impress you, and to convince you to choose this place as your new home for the next 4 years.

- Go over the financial aid award letters carefully. Make a spreadsheet so you can better see how the your schools compare. In your grid, be sure to list:

1. The net price of attendance (i.e., what it REALLY costs to go to a school - not just the tuition and room/board, and this is where the school’s online net price calculator usually comes in handy);
   
2.  Travel to and from the school (and be sure to indicate if it’s via bus, train, plane, or car);
   
3. What you *realistically* will be need to spend on things like clothing, shoes, dorm-room items, and “fun money” (i.e., cash for pizza, going out to the movies, etc.);
   
4. The amount of merit aid you’re being offered (i.e., institutional scholarships and grants that you DO NOT need to pay back);
   
5. The amount of need-based aid that each school is offering you (be sure to distinguish  between aid that doesn’t need to be paid back, such as grants, and loans, that will need to be paid back after you graduate);
   
6. Whether or not you are offered Subsidized Stafford Loans (and how much) vs. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (and how much) - the difference is important, since you will be accruing debt much faster with all unsubsidized loans;
   
7. Any other money you will be receiving (for example, an athletic scholarship or an external grant from a local business or a national organization).
   

Often, seeing the numbers laid out next to each other makes it much clearer how much each school will cost you, and how much potential debt you’ll have when you graduate. Seeing these costs may help you make a decision, especially when you’re trying to choose between 2 great schools.

- Listen to your gut. What is it telling you? Can you see yourself attending this particular college and being happy? Does the very thought of being a student at University X make your heart sing with joy? Even if you can’t find the words to explain how you’re feeling, trust that gut! If a school just feels right, it probably IS the right place for you.

Finally, use your time wisely! All applicants must commit to a school and send in their deposit by the national May 1st deadline. Think of this as a good thing - once you send in that deposit, you can spend the rest of your senior year enjoying the remainder of your time as a high school student. Don’t forget to celebrate your amazing accomplishments!