Making Your Final Decision

You did the research, worked tirelessly on your applications, and waited patiently for months — now, it’s decision time. Before jumping into the pros and cons of each “yes” school and stressing about which to pick, congratulate yourself! You worked hard to earn those acceptances, and you should be proud of yourself and excited about the future.

As you think about your home for the next four years, remember — you just need a little honesty, realism, and forward-thinking to narrow things down. Here are six tips to remember as you prepare to make your final college decision.

Weigh your priorities

Many things in life are not a perfect fit — so be realistic about what matters most to you. Maybe being closer to home is more important than you initially thought, or you’ve decided that a small school isn’t for you. As you reflect, consider:

• Academics and programs
• Student life and campus culture
• Clubs, organizations, and activities
• Classroom experience
• Location and surroundings
• Housing and campus facilities

Visit (or revisit) the campuses

If you haven’t been on campus yet, schedule a visit. You can get a deeper sense of the atmosphere and campus environment and talk to students and faculty. If you visit in the spring, see whether the college hosts an accepted students day. Some schools also offer fly-in programs for eligible low-income students to give them a chance to visit campus before enrolling.

Once on campus, you might get a gut feeling — something incalculable that is hard to describe — telling you that this is (or isn’t) the place for you. Lean into this feeling if you’re stuck between two similar schools. After all the discussions, comparisons, and research, in the end, you’ll probably find that only one really feels like home. 

Consider the cost

With your financial aid packages in hand, you can now make an informed decision about what you and your family can comfortably afford. The difference between a school where you need loans versus a school offering a free ride? Positively monumental. If you’re in this situation, ask yourself honestly about the ROI. 

Be sure to factor in expenses like traveling home to see your family or living off-campus in an apartment. Research work-study jobs, if you qualify, and other potential on-campus jobs, and consider how they can offset your costs. 

Think long-term

Beyond considering how college debt will affect your finances, think about how a college sets you up for future success. A strong alumni network offers significant advantages, connecting graduates with industry professionals and helping them secure internships and jobs after graduation. A college's reputation carries weight, but don’t let prestige overshadow fit.

Talk to people you trust

While this decision is yours to make, you don’t have to go through it alone. Discuss your options with parents, mentors, and trusted peers to help you clarify your goals and zero in on what you truly want. A caveat: It’s your path, your future, and the next four years of your life. Whatever your decision, make it with confidence.

Don’t forget your personal values

Finally, look at the college community and consider these questions:

• Do you align with a school’s mission statement and values? 
• Can you see tangible examples of how they support their students? 
• Is the student body diverse? 
• Are there campus groups that interest you? 
• Is there a sense of campus spirit and community? 

Consider how a campus community can help you become the person you want to be. A school where you feel challenged, respected, and encouraged to grow and contribute could be the perfect fit.

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to College Admissions here.