We are down to the wire. May 1st, National College Decision Day, is only days away.
While most students are focused on notifying the one college where they plan to enroll, there are other essential steps to be taken by every high school senior. Don't forget to do the following:
1. Yes, submit your enrollment deposit by May 1st!
Unless you get an extension because you are appealing your financial aid award, the enrollment deposit is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday.
2. Double-depositing is not only unethical, but it is forbidden.
Check the affirmations you signed off when you filled out your application. One of the affirmations indicates that a student will not submit more than one deposit unless they get admitted off the waitlist at another college where they plan to enroll instead.
RELATED READING: 5 Ethical Questions That Students Must Get Right
3. Notify every other college that admitted you that you are not going to accept the offer of admission.
You can usually decline the offer on the admissions portal. When the college definitely knows you are not planning to enroll, it can open up a spot for a student on the waitlist, sooner.
4. If you indicated on your application that you were planning to take AP exams this May and you decide not to take them, you need to notify the college where you are enrolling that your plans have changed.
This won't affect your admissions decision, so there is no reason to worry.
5. Your school counselor is required to send your final transcript to the college where you plan to enroll so finish the year strong!
Admissions staff will be checking to see how you did senior year and confirm that all self-reported data you submitted on the application (if required) was accurately portrayed. Check with your school counselor to make sure this is sent by the college's deadline. Some colleges like the University of California campuses have very strict deadlines on this step!
RELATED READING: Having a Hard Time Making a College Decision? Do This!
Senior prom, awards ceremonies, and graduation are on the horizon. I want you to enjoy all of this! Just make sure you follow through with the last remaining items related to the college admissions process. It is the right thing to do, most of all.
