7 Things To Do While You Wait For College Decisions

Once you hit "submit" on those college applications, it’s tempting to sit back and relax, but the months leading up to college decisions are crucial! Whether it’s late fall or early winter, you can use this waiting period productively to keep your college journey on track. Here’s a guide on what to do after submitting your applications, including ways to stay engaged with your top schools, prepare for financial aid, and even discover new scholarship opportunities.

1. Continue Demonstrating Interest in Your CollegesSome colleges consider “demonstrated interest” as a factor in admissions decisions. Showing continued interest in your top schools can make a difference, particularly if you’re on the edge of acceptance.

• Stay Engaged: Follow the admissions office’s updates on social media, read any newsletters, and look out for virtual or in-person events. Attend these sessions when possible, and consider sending a polite, thoughtful email to admissions reps if you have meaningful questions.
• Send Updates: If you achieve new honors, complete significant projects, or improve your grades, share these updates with your colleges. Many colleges allow applicants to submit an update or a “letter of continued interest.” Keep it brief, professional, and focused on achievements.
• Connect with Alumni or Current Students: Speaking to alumni or current students is a great way to learn about the culture and get personal insights about a college. Many schools have programs or contact information for these kinds of connections.

2. Apply for ScholarshipsWith tuition costs on the rise, scholarships are an excellent way to reduce financial burden. The earlier you start applying, the better your chances to secure funding.

• Local Scholarships: Local scholarships often have fewer applicants, which can improve your chances of winning. Check with your high school counselor, community organizations, and local businesses for opportunities.
• National Scholarship Platforms: Websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and Scholarships.com are packed with scholarship options. Try filtering for awards related to your interests, career goals, or background to find those you’re best suited for.
• School-Specific Scholarships: Many colleges have scholarships that only incoming students are eligible for. Look on each college’s financial aid page, and reach out if you need clarification on how to apply or deadlines to meet.
• Plan to Keep Applying: Don’t stop once you get into college! Many scholarships allow current college students to apply each year, so keep a list of potential awards to revisit down the line.

3. Complete the Financial Aid ProcessFinancial aid can play a big role in your college decision. Make sure you meet every deadline and understand each step of the process.

• FAFSA & CSS Profile: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is essential for federal aid, while some colleges also require the CSS Profile for additional institutional aid. File as soon as possible to qualify for the most aid, as some funds are first-come, first-served.
• Verify Requirements and Deadlines: Some schools may have priority deadlines for financial aid forms. Missing these deadlines could reduce your eligibility for aid, so double-check each school’s requirements to stay on track.
• Prepare for Verification: Many applicants are selected for verification, which means you may need to submit additional documents to verify the information on your FAFSA. Keep important tax documents and forms accessible to respond quickly if needed.

4. Stay Academically FocusedWhile waiting for decisions, it’s easy to shift focus, but keeping your grades up is essential. Admissions offers are often conditional, meaning that if your grades drop significantly, colleges could reconsider their decision.

• Keep Up Your GPA: Colleges want to see that you’re consistently performing well. Set goals to maintain or improve your grades in your current classes, and avoid “senioritis” as much as possible.
• Prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams: Strong scores on these exams could earn you college credit or place you in higher-level courses once you’re admitted. Use this time to study and ensure you’re well-prepared for exams in the spring.

5. Reflect on Your College PrioritiesWaiting for decisions gives you valuable time to think about what you truly want from your college experience. Revisit your priorities and consider the aspects of each school that matter most to you.

• Consider Your Non-Negotiables: List your top priorities, whether that’s location, size, specific programs, or financial aid. Having these in mind can help guide your final choice.
• Research College Life: Learn about the culture, campus traditions, and local area of each college. You might discover aspects of a school you hadn’t thought about that influence your final decision.
• Plan a Campus Visit: If you’re able, plan to visit your top choice schools again in the spring, especially if you receive multiple acceptances. Seeing the campus can help you imagine yourself there and give you a more tangible feel for what each school offers.