What to Do After U.S. College Admission Decisions Are Released

Mid to late March is when regular decision results from U.S. colleges are announced. For 12th-grade students anxiously awaiting these outcomes, here are some tips to help you decide which college to attend once the results are in.

Admission Announcements

I remember that during admission week, I was so excited that I could hardly sleep. Due to the time difference between the U.S. and Korea, I would habitually wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning to check my email. First, I want to emphasize that U.S. college admission results do not always correlate with rankings.

I mainly applied to liberal arts colleges. I received acceptance notices from schools ranked in the top 10, yet I was waitlisted or even rejected by some schools ranked in the 20s. So, if you receive an unexpected decision from a school you considered a safety or match, please don’t panic.

How to Make Your College Decision

After hearing from all your colleges between mid-March and early April, you may have up to a month to decide. For those who need financial aid, compare the financial aid packages offered by each school, and then use the following tips to guide your decision.

First: Research the Accepted Colleges

You might have done plenty of research before applying, but the perspective changes once you’ve been accepted. While your initial research might have been broad, post-acceptance is the time to delve into the practical aspects of the school you might attend.

A common area to research is the location: consider the neighborhood where the college is situated (whether in a city, a town 1–2 hours from a city, or a rural area) and the opportunities available both on and off campus (such as fieldwork, internships, volunteer work, etc.).

Another example is campus life. Look into whether the college has a traditional campus, its size, and the overall atmosphere among students and around campus to gauge whether it fits you.

Second: List What You Want to Achieve During Your Four Years

Once you’ve researched your accepted schools, you’ll have a clearer idea of why you like each one. Factors may include the faculty, special programs, the prestige of the school, alumni networks, location, and more. Everyone’s criteria differ, so it is crucial to determine what matters most to you.

For example, if you have a clear idea of the subject you want to study and the career you want to pursue after college, the quality of the program and the department might be your top priority. Conversely, if you are still exploring your interests and career options, a school that offers diverse study-abroad or internship opportunities might be more attractive.

Third: Talk to Current Students

After listing your priorities, further research is necessary. Although college websites tend to highlight only the positives, speaking with current students can provide much more honest insights. I reached out via social media to students at several colleges I applied to in 12th grade, and those conversations immensely helped my decision-making. If possible, have a chat to learn about the pros and cons in greater detail.

You’ve worked hard to get this far, and now is the time to enjoy the happiness of being accepted by researching your options further. By doing school research, reflecting on your goals, and talking to current students, you can make the best decision for yourself!