Receiving acceptance letters is exciting — but the weeks between March notifications and May 1 require careful navigation. Here is a step-by-step guide.
What to Do When Acceptances Arrive
Step 1: Acknowledge receipt (optional but courteous). Most schools' portals allow you to confirm that you've seen your decision. This is not a commitment — it's acknowledgment.
Step 2: Do not rush to commit. You have until May 1. Use this time to compare financial aid packages carefully, attend admitted students days, talk to current students, and make a thoughtful decision.
Comparing Financial Aid (February–April)
The most important task before May 1 is comparing financial aid packages accurately. Calculate each school's true net cost (total cost minus grants and scholarships — not loans). If a package seems insufficient, appeal before deciding.
Making Your Decision and Paying Your Deposit
When you are ready to commit: submit your enrollment deposit at your chosen school through their portal. This is typically $200–$500 and is non-refundable. Submitting the deposit is your official commitment to enroll.
Declining Other Acceptances
Once you have committed, log into every other school's portal and decline your admission. This is important — it releases your spot to students on the waitlist who genuinely want to attend. Your declined spot could change someone else's life. Do this promptly after committing, not on May 1 evening.
Handling Waitlists
For schools where you are waitlisted: formally accept or decline your waitlist spot through each school's portal. If you accept the spot at a school that remains of genuine interest, send a Letter of Continued Interest. But commit to your best accepted school by May 1 regardless.