For most applicants thin or thick envelopes arrive from colleges in dribs and drabs from early January through late March. It is “waiting season” for students as they anticipate decisions from their colleges: accepted, denied, or wait-listed.
As a college consultant this is the time of year I check in with my seniors about where they stand with their colleges. An advisee from New Jersey responded to me this morning: three acceptances, two denials, one wait-list, and two still-to-be-heard-from. Other advisees, applying to high-profile colleges, will wait until late March before hearing from any of their choices.
Admission officers gathering at recent College Board sessions around the country dreaded their own “worry season” as to decision-making about the numbers of students to accept in an unpredictable and financially challenging year. They too have their own “waiting season” in April as they keep tabs on the number of students responding positively to their offers of acceptances (in admission parlance – “the yield”).
This year especially students would be wise to be patient during their “waiting season.” Before making a decision and sending in a deposit by May 1, the Candidates’ Reply Date, students should adhere to these maxims:
1. Sustain an open mind until all decisions have arrived;
2. Keep in mind merit and need-based awards before making comparisons of actual cost for each public and private college on your list;
3. Attend the “accepted student” functions for your top choices – even if you have visited these colleges previously because visits in the spring can provide fresh information and insights as you hone in on your final choice.
Be patient and thoughtful in the “waiting season.”
Will Dunfey
University Advisors
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