...What seems like 457234 years has now passed. Finally.
Good news or bad news first?
Good news: some schools accepted me.
Bad news: some schools rejected me.
Don't sweat it, ladies and gents! It happens to everyone, everywhere, everyday, at some point. It's a part of life to get turned down but don't worry, one day you will show him/her/it/whoever that it was their loss. Focus on the amazing work you had to go through to get those big, fat, acceptance packages.
As you get each acceptance package, read through the material they send you. If you need help with some of it bring it to a trusted friend or adult that may be able to break it down for you. Take note of which schools accepted you and what categories they fall into from your "final list."
Now, your background and family conditions dictate a pretty important part of these acceptances: your initial financial aid package.
For some, money is key here. Definitely go for your gut feel on it. If money is of utmost importance here, go for the school that gave you the most money.
For some, money is important but it is not the supreme ruler here. You are willing to take out some loans and/or figure out different means to handle your business. This comes into key for those of you with acceptances to multiple schools that belong in different categories of your final list - you may be willing to pay more to go to your reach school than pay less to go to your safety school. That part is all on you and what you are willing to go through.
When you look at your financial aid package, notice what the breakdown is for everything. Do you have federal loans? Perkins loans? Will you need private loans to pay for the leftover amount? How much aid for tuition/room & board are they giving you? Take a look at it all and try to go over it with someone who has gone through the process before. Maybe it's an older cousin, aunt, uncle, parent, guidance counselor, teacher, mentor, etc. but there has to be someone out there in your circle to help you with this. Reach out - it's really important.
Also, if you are disappointed with your financial aid package to your top choice and there is another school that offered you more money, no worries. This is a great opportunity to create an appeal letter to your top institution that highlights your desire to attend but how financial hardships may lead you to not going. Use the other school as an example of a place that is offering you more and try to use it as a negotiation tool to get more from your top choice. I can make another post on this if you want, but let me know!
Once you have all of that settled, you are in a better position to make a decision on your school. Take it all in and make your choice. Sounds overly-simplified, right? Everyone has a different situation and you each have different things to note before you make a final choice. That's all on you.
When you do make your choice...OMG! Congratulations!! You are going to be on your way to the college that best fits your needs.
Do you have other tips or things to take into account for soon-to-be college students? Let them know in a post! Did you go through this and selected a college? Where did you pick?! Submit a post down below to help move the future forward.
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