Campus Bound

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Most seniors have recently finished filing their applications for college admissions (or are nearly finished with them) and after months of working toward this moment they wonder, "Now what do I do?"  Here are a few tips:

1. Relax.  Congratulate yourself on a job well done and celebrate for a moment.  Enjoy the fact that you no longer have admissions essays to write in addition to your homework and spend some free time doing things other than college applications.  You've worked hard - enjoy a bit of a break.
2. Follow through.  Don't forget that submitting your applications is only a small part of the process-be sure that all of your supporting documents including standardized test scores, grades, and recommendations are received by the admissions offices.  Colleges usually notify you if something is missing, but it is ultimately your responsibility to be sure that all your application materials are received.
3. Complete scholarship or financial aid paperwork.  If you are applying for need-based financial aid or merit scholarships, be sure that the required forms are completed accurately and on time.  Deadlines are often in early February and late applicants often are the last ones to receive aid, if available.  Be sure to complete all required forms accurately and mistakes can be very costly.  Seek out local merit scholarships and apply to those where you meet the qualifications.
4. Keep working hard in school.  Whether you have already been accepted under an early admissions plan or not, it is essential to maintain your academic achievement throughout the entirety of your senior year.  College acceptances are contingent upon the completion of your senior year at the same or better level of achievement.  In other words, colleges can rescind their acceptances after they see your final grades!  Also keep in mind that if you are eventually wait-listed at any colleges they will be looking closely at your semester and third quarter grades before deciding whether or not to offer you admission.  Good grades throughout your entire senior year will position you best for admission to your school of choice.
5. Share your advice.  High school juniors are just beginning the process and many are unsure of where to start or what to do.  Share your advice with them and pass along any tips that you found useful.

Your final task, of course, is to wait patiently for the final admissions decisions which will likely arrive in late March.  If you've already received some acceptances, start to think about which school/s you like better than others and begin to eliminate some places from consideration.  Plan campus visits to places you'd like to see before making a final decision.  Most importantly, take a break from the college process and forget about it for awhile.  Remember what life was like before the craziness began and have faith that in a few short months you will know where you will embark on the next phase of your education.