College Acceptance letter – How to decide on the college?

College acceptance letters begin arriving in March or April for high school seniors. The student waiting time is over by the end of April. Now it’s time for students to decide the college and accept the letter. There is almost a 1- 2 months gap between the college acceptance letter and the decision date. 

In selecting a college, students should take into account these factors.

1. Location: Some students prefer the city environment while others prefer the suburbs. The campus location is an important factor to consider as some students enjoy the city environment while others like the suburbs. 
2. Financial: If the students are rewarded with any scholarship, they should make a list of colleges that are offering the merit scholarship as well as financial aid. If a student has decided between the 2 colleges and if they both are offering merit scholarships then it can also be a college deciding factor. Students can also ask the college to match the scholarship. 
3. Visit or revisit the campus: If the students have just applied to the college before visiting the campus, then they plan to visit the campus or schedule the college campus and department tour. By visiting the college students can feel the vibes, will get the opportunity to meet students. They can also meet the professor of the department they are interested in. It’s a good idea to visit the college before deciding on a college. 
4. College open house – Colleges offers open house for the accepted students. the student should attend the open house too. This will allow them to meet the students, check all facilities as well as dorms or student housing. They can also meet the departmental professors. 
5. Distance from home: Students should consider the distance of the college from home. If the student is far from home and if they have to fly to college or a long drive to college, they won’t be able to go back and forth easily. If the student wants to be close to family, then this is a big factor to consider. Otherwise, it will impact the student’s performance and they will also not enjoy it. 
6. Friendship – Since the student will be staying away from the family it’s good if they know anyone like college professors, seniors, and the same class. If there are relatives and family in the same city that will be a plus. 
7. Jobs and higher studies – Students should evaluate the college, if they pass out from that college, will they get a high-paying job. Will they get the job right after their undergrad? Does the college organize a college fair? What type of companies comes to hire candidates? What will be the salary etc? These are some of the points students should consider for college. Students should also evaluate the different options for higher studies after undergrad. What programs are available for Masters or Ph.D. 
8. Network and connection – Visit the college site, social media pages to try to connect with the current students, seniors, or alumni. Ask them questions about student life, daily activities, social life, etc. Try to build the connection as much as you can. 

     Students should make a list of accepted colleges and add these factors for each college. Once you have the answers of all the colleges, then compare the college and finally send the acceptance to that college.