 In
many ways, going to college is similar to reading signs and directions.
This guidance, when followed, will help ou to reach your destination with
the lest amount of hassle. From the experiences of thousands of students
and counselors come the following "signs and directions" to help
you reach the right college with the greatest ease. It's an exciting time.
With proper preparation, you will enjoy the ride. |
 Know
Your Preferences:
As in travel, you need to know what you want. Your answer will depend on
needs and desires that differ from your friends and family. Location, size,
type, affiliation, competitiveness, and academic offerings are the larger
considerations when determining the right college or university. What are
your needs and desires? |
 Gather
Information:
You may have a good idea on your choice of college. Until you request information,
however, you will not know with any certainty. Colleges and universities
are obligated to provide thorough and accurate information on all aspects
of their education, including costs and assistance. In turn, you have the
responsibility to understand the policies and procedures regarding your
choices, espectially where deadlines and deposits are concerned. |
 Make
Application:
Your needs and the recommendations of your family or your counselor will
determine the number of applications that you complete. In general, you
should not make application to colleges that do not meet your profile, especially
in regard to academic preparedness and competitiveness.
Be certain to work with your family and counselor when you complete your
applications. Do not hesitate to contact an admission representative when
you have a question. |
 Receive
a Reply:
A response to an application from a college or university may not always
be an admission decision, at least not at first. You may be required to
send additional information, or you may be placed on a waiting list. In
either case, you should follow the instructions that will ultimately lead
to an admission decision. |
 Receive
an Admission Decision:
Not all admission decisions are favorable. If you were thorough and truthful
in your selection as well as on your application, the answer that you receive
will most likely be favorable. If so, congratulations! You will need to
examine all of your favorable decisions to select the one college where
you will enroll. You will have until May 1 before your commitement takes
the form of a nonrefundable deposit. Unless you applied early
decision, you should be granted an extension upon written request if
a deposit is required by May 1. |
 Determine
Your Choice:
Most colleges and universities will require a nonrefundable deposit by May
1 for students who have been accepted for the fall semester. Without this
request, admission representatives will not know the number of students
who will enroll and the services that will be needed. You should make only
one deposit with your first choice of college. You should also withdraw
your application from all of the other colleges that accepted you. (Early
decision applicants should withdraw all other applications at the time of
deposit.) |
 Prepare
for Arrival:
Whether you will be living on or off campus, you should prepare for the
start of classes. On-campus students should consider the items and tasks
that will be needed to support their living habits. Off-campus students
should consider scheduling their classes in relation to their need for transportation
and using the college's resources. A campus visit is very helpful in determining
your preparations. Be certain to participate in an orientation if you are
given the opportunity. |
 Ask
Questions:
You will have questions along the way. Your counselor, your family, your
friends and the staffs at the many colleges and universitites will provide
the guidance that you seek. In the end, please remember that your destination
is very personal. Your success in college will be determined by the choices
that you make. Good Luck! |
ADMISSION DECISION OPTIONS
Early Decision:
This option allows a student to commit to his or her first choice of
college well before May 1. In exchange for admission, the college or
university will require a nonrefundable deposit by a date that is typically
not extended. You should not apply to more than one college under this
option; you should withdraw all other applications when you accept an
early-decision offer.
Early Action:
This option allows a student to make application to a college of preference
and receive an admission decision well before the normal response, usually
in the spring. Students who apply under this option are not obligated
to enroll or deposit.
Regular Decision:
This option requires a student to apply by a given date in return for
a promise of notification by a given date. This option allows colleges
and universities to review most of its applications before notifying
the majority of its candidates.
Rolling Admission:
This option allows students to receive an admissions decision as soon
as their files are reviewed. Colleges usually do not state deadlines,
althought they may recommend a date when files should be complete.
In all options except early decision, applicants will
have until May 1 before they should make a nonrefundable deposit, unless
they have requested a written extension.
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Admission
To College: Signs And Directions For Success