Most colleges provide an applicant portal where you can track your application. Check your email for login instructions and access details. Log in regularly to confirm that all required materials—such as transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters—have been received. If anything is missing, follow up promptly to avoid delays

If you haven’t already, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any required financial aid documents, like the CSS Profile for some private colleges. Many schools have priority deadlines, and submitting early can help you secure the best financial aid package possible.

Colleges release decisions on different timelines, depending on whether you applied early action, early decision, or regular decision:

• Early Decision (ED): Typically released in mid-December. If accepted, this is a binding agreement, meaning you must attend unless financial aid is insufficient.
• Early Action (EA): Usually announced between mid-December and late January. Unlike ED, EA is non-binding, so you can wait to compare offers.
• Regular Decision (RD): Decisions are generally released between March and early April.
• Rolling Admissions: Schools with rolling admissions review applications as they come in, often sending decisions within a few weeks to a couple of months after submission.

Keep track of notification dates and check your email and application portals frequently. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place for handling different outcomes—whether it’s an acceptance, waitlist, or rejection. If you’re waitlisted or deferred, consider submitting a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to express your ongoing enthusiasm for the school. In your letter, express why the college is still your top choice, highlight any new achievements since submitting your application, and demonstrate how you’d contribute to their campus community. This can help strengthen your chances of admission.

Some colleges require additional documents after you apply, such as mid-year transcripts or updated test scores. Check your emails and application portals regularly to ensure nothing is missing. Even if test scores are optional, strong results could strengthen your application!

If you’ve been waitlisted or deferred, consider sending a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school. In your letter, express why the college is still your top choice, highlight any new achievements since submitting your application, and demonstrate how you’d contribute to their campus community. This can help strengthen your chances of admission.

Even after you’ve been accepted, colleges still review final transcripts. A major drop in grades or disciplinary issues could put your admission at risk. Stay engaged in your classes, continue participating in extracurriculars, and enjoy the rest of your senior year while preparing for this exciting new chapter!

If you’re a Washington, D.C. resident, you may be eligible for additional financial aid programs, such as DC TAG (DC Tuition Assistance Grant) and the DC Mayor’s Scholars Program. These programs are designed to help D.C. residents attend college by offering financial support.

• DC TAG: Provides tuition assistance of up to $10,000 per year for eligible D.C. residents attending a public college/university or public HBCU anywhere in the country OR up to $2,500 per year for students attending private colleges in the DMV area or private HBCUs.
• DC Mayor’s Scholars Program: Offers tuition assistance for D.C. residents attending select public and private colleges in the D.C. area (2-year and 4-year) of up to $4,000 per year.

Be sure to check eligibility and apply for these programs as soon as possible, as they are first-come,first-served, and there are specific deadlines and documentation requirements. Don’t miss out on this extra financial support to make your college experience more affordable!

If possible, visit campuses or attend virtual admitted student events to get a better feel for each school’s environment, academics, and student life. This can help you make a confident decision about where to enroll. If visiting in person, try sitting in on a class, talking to current students, or exploring housing options.

Once you start receiving acceptance letters, it’s important to carefully compare the financial aid offers from each school. Look at the details of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities to understand how much financial support you’ll get and what costs you’ll need to cover.

This step is crucial to avoid taking on too much debt. While loans may seem like an easy way to pay for college, they can add up over time and make it harder to finish your degree. Some schools offer more scholarships and grants that don’t need to be repaid, while others may rely more on loans, which can lead to significant debt.

Make sure the aid you receive covers not just tuition, but also things like fees, housing, books, and supplies. If the financial aid package doesn’t cover enough, you may want to ask for more aid or consider more affordable options. It’s important to choose a college that is financially manageable so you can focus on your studies without worrying about money. The goal is to find a solution that lets you graduate without worrying about unaffordable debt.

Once you’ve weighed your options, it’s time to commit! Most colleges require students to submit an enrollment deposit by May 1 (National College Decision Day) to secure their spot. These deposits typically range from $100 to $500, though some may be higher.

If the deposit is a financial burden, some colleges offer waivers, extensions, or the option to apply the deposit toward your fall tuition bill. If you need assistance, reach out to the admissions or financial aid office as soon as possible to explore your options.

If you’ve been placed on a waitlist at your top-choice school, you can accept a spot while still committing to another college as a backup. Just be sure to read all policies carefully before making a final decision.

After committing to a college, you’ll need to sign up for housing, select a meal plan, and register for orientation. Many colleges have deadlines for housing applications, so submit yours early to increase your chances of getting your preferred dorm or roommate. Orientation will help you get to know your campus, meet other students, and finalize your course schedule.

Some colleges have housing application fees (typically ranging from $50 to $100) and may also charge fees for orientation. These fees help cover costs for materials, meals, and activities.

If the cost of housing applications or orientation is a financial burden, don’t hesitate to reach out to the housing or student affairs department. Many schools offer fee waivers or payment plans for students with financial need, so it’s important to ask about available options.