College Decision-Making Guide
How to Choose Which Offer to Accept
Once you get your college acceptances, congratulate yourself! You’re on the road to getting a college degree.
Some students receive admission offers from a few colleges. If you have more than one to choose from, here are some tips to help you make up your mind.
Identify Your Priorities
Do some soul-searching to figure out which of the colleges that accepted you is the best fit for you. Which one offers the educational and social experiences you are seeking? Think about:
- Location: Does the college have an urban, suburban or rural campus? How far is it from home?
- Size: How big is the student population? What about class size?
- Mix of students: Is the college coed? Are there students from all over the country, with different backgrounds and experiences?
- Academics: Does the college offer programs of study that truly interest you?
- Extracurriculars: Does the college have the types and ranges of extracurricular activities that you want to participate in?
- Facilities: Will you have access to labs, computing centers, and music, theater or athletic facilities?
Rank these characteristics in order of importance to you and see how each college comes out.
Compare Colleges
Use College Search to compare up to three of your colleges side by side. This tool lets you see differences — from distance to cost — at a glance.
Get Advice from People You Trust
Choosing a college is up to you — it’s ultimately a personal decision. Still, it never hurts to ask for advice from people who know you well and care about your future.
- Talk to your parents: They probably know you better than anyone. Take advantage of their insight.
- Consult your advisers: Ask your teachers, mentors, coaches and family friends about their college experiences. Find out what they liked best and least about their college years — you might gain a new perspective on what to expect.
- Ask your counselor: Your counselor knows what makes a good fit between a student and a college, and has experience helping students with these decisions.
Talk to People at the College
Get first-hand knowledge about what it's really like to attend a particular college from current students and other people on campus. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions — your future college will be home, school and work to you for the next several years.
- Your counselor may be able to put you in touch with former high school students who are now attending your colleges.
- College admission officers can also give you contact information for current students, advisers and professors.
Visit Campuses
Campus visits can help break a deadlock if you can't decide between two or more colleges. If you’ve already visited the colleges, review your notes; if you haven’t, consider visiting. Try to picture yourself on the campus. Think about whether or not you will be happy there; don't be afraid to trust your instincts.
Compare Your Financial Aid Awards
If you receive offers of financial aid from more than one college, use the College Board's Compare Your Aid Awards tool to compare up to four colleges, side by side. Enter some basic data and get these results for each college:
- Total amount of aid awarded
- Family share of costs
- Type of aid — percentage of gift aid (grants and scholarships) vs. self-help aid (work-study and loans)
Family Financing Discussions
Ask your family if there are financial or other circumstances that may affect your decision, and whether you or your family might have to make sacrifices depending on your choice. Decisions about financial aid, such as whether you should take a student loan or work-study job, should be made as a family.
Consider Your Decision Carefully
Many colleges expect your final decision by May 1, so you have about a month to make up your mind. Don’t be tempted to make a quick decision; think carefully about which is the best fit for you and your needs.
Decide and Reply
Once you've made a decision, send in your acceptance letter. Be sure to write to the other colleges that offered you admission, too. Send a brief note thanking them for their consideration, but declining their offer — this frees up places for other students.
Feel Good About Your Decision
This may be the first adult decision you make. Get advice and support from your family, but remember that you are capable of making this decision.
Don't feel pressured to find that one perfect college. Many colleges may fit the bill. The right college is one at which you will be happy and be prepared for a lifetime of learning and success.
