Now the real stress begins. If you have been accepted to a number of schools, this is the time of year where you really start trying to figure out which one to choose. What makes it worse is the stress some schools will put on a student to make a decision. All students should be aware of their rights within the admissions process.
In general, colleges and universities give you until May 1st of your senior year to make up your selection, and ask you to submit a deposit by then. If a student submits a commitment with a deposit early, it’s supposed to be refundable until May 1. Most importantly, you shouldn’t miss out on any benefits to orientation, housing, parking or class registration by waiting until May 1.
A student has until May 1 to visit campuses, compare scholarships and aid and figure out which school is the right fit. Do not become additionally stressed if you receive emails or letters that say DEPOSIT ASAP, HOUSING IS LIMITED, or CLASSES ARE GOING FAST. Especially if these emails make no mention of the May 1 deadline. You have the time, so take ever bit of it so you can make the best decision.
If you feel pressured, be sure to contact that school to clarify their May 1 deadline. Even for those of you who know that there is no pressure to commit prior to May 1, this is still a stressful time. My advice is to make sure you spend enough time on campus and talk to the students there. Too often, students just go to the cookie cutter admissions visit and don’t take the extra time for themselves to see and talk to who they need to see. Just ask. The Admissions office will help connect you to any faculty, student or staff member you want to talk to.
Good luck!
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