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Understanding Acceptance Letters

  Understanding Award Letters

Evaluating Award Letters

Making the Final Decision

 


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Understanding College Acceptance Letters


Your acceptance letter will most likely contain some very important information about decisions and deadlines you need to pay close attention to.

Your acceptance letter could:

  • Tell you to expect your award letter shortly.
  • Ask you to choose a campus meal plan.
  • Advise you to reserve a room in a residence hall.
  • Ask you to think about what qualities you'd like in a roommate.

Read carefully. Ask questions. Talk to your parents or guidance counselor. Consult the school's website.

If the letter directs you to respond on anything from financial aid to roommate selection, note when your reply is expected.

Wait Listed
If you've been put on the waiting list at your first-choice school, it can't hurt to let the admissions officer know you're still very interested. Send a letter restating your request to attend and include any recent achievements or high grades, but don't inundate them with mail or phone calls.

Because waiting lists are not guarantees of acceptance, you should consider accepting admission to your second-choice school. You'll want to be sure you're enrolled somewhere for the fall semester so send your deposit by the deadline to be safe. But understand that your money may not be refunded if you are later accepted at your first-choice school and decide to enroll there.

If you are admitted to your first choice, immediately inform other schools where you've been accepted that you won't be attending. The spot you vacate could move another future freshman from the waiting list to admission.

What's next? Learn about financial aid award letters.

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Early Decision Applicants
If you are accepted, you'll have to sign a "binding agreement" stating you will attend that school. If you applied to other schools, you may be required to withdraw those applications.

If you are not accepted under early decision, you may still be considered a candidate for regular admission, depending on the school's policy. Contact the admissions office to find out what, if anything, you need to do.

Checklist:
School Application
A checklist to help you through the school application process. Use it to keep track of deadlines, write essays, recommendations, and transcripts.

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