Take Your Time Making a Decision
Some of our students (even those admitted early action) are starting to receive likely letters and regular letters will be coming in the next two weeks. Students often feel pressure to decide immediately where they will spend the next four years, but such a hasty commitment can often be a mistake.
First, it is wise to wait until you hear from all of your schools. Just because you received a likely letter does not mean you have to attend that college. The best thing to do is look through all the materials you can about each school to which you are accepted and then take the full 3-4 weeks (until the common reply date of May 1st) to consider.
If you are torn between a handful of schools, visit during the special time periods colleges set aside for accepted students. You’ll have a chance to meet other accepted students and professors, as well as experience dorm life firsthand, etc…. Since you’ll be spending four years there, you do not want to rush this decision. In fact, if after visiting you feel you need more time, feel free to call your top schools and ask for an extension. This is almost always granted. Sometimes it’s hard to fit visits in before May 1st, so take an extra few days if you need them once you’ve gotten clearance.
Picture yourself living on campus — is this the place for you? Visiting is the best way to get a feel for where you’d be most comfortable. Talk to students with interests in your academic field, speak to professors in particular departments and grill people to see what the “truth” is about various departments. You are the consumer — once you’re accepted, colleges will cater to you and answer your questions! Make an educated decision.
As a critical side note: Don’t make bad decisions on your school revisit weekend. The statistics are enough to scare any parent. SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Liberty Mutual released the following results: Almost four in ten teens (39.1 percent) who have stayed overnight on a college campus report engaging in drinking, other drug use or sex during those visits. The survey also indicates these dangerous behaviors are far more prevalent among boys than among girls.
Not only can these bad decisions harm you personally, but if admissions officers catch wind of any indiscretions they can rescind your acceptance.
Congratulations Everyone!
Michele’s students had record breaking acceptances in the early round of college admissions results for the Class of 2014.
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Ivy League Admissions Statistics
Our exclusive data on the Class of 2014 Ivy League Admissions statistics, now updated for Early Action and Early Admissions for the class entering 2010. See exactly how many students applied and how many were accepted to different schools.
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Michele Talks About College Admissions on Good Morning America
View Michele's appearance on Good Morning America with George Stephanopolous and read the ABC News article, Battle College Acceptance Anxiety With These Tips, that features advice from Michele.
View all television interviews or learn more about Michele's appearances in the media.
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