Your applications are in, transcripts are sent, deposits are paid and you're officially done applying for college. You can finally chill out, right? Well, almost.
"Don't let up just because you've applied or even been accepted to your school of choice," says Katie Garrett, founder of Garrett Educational Consulting. "There are still several things that need to be done before you're officially enrolled."
Here's our list of last-minute loose ends to tie up — even if you haven't made your final decision on where to go.
Keep checking your portals. There could be important information that won't be sent to your email.
Submit your first-semester grades and additional test scores if applicable.
Reach out to regional admissions reps if you've been deferred or are waiting for decisions.
If you've been deferred, submit additional documentation including continued letters of interest.
If you've accepted a spot during the Early Decision period, withdraw your other applications to make room for other interested students.
Send a hand-written thank-you note to your teachers who wrote letters of recommendation.
Check and see if you need to put in a housing deposit, especially if you're attending a school that doesn't guarantee housing for freshmen.
Don't get senioritis. If you’ve been deferred or waitlisted, your second-semester grades of senior year will be part of your admissions file. Even if you’ve been accepted, if there’s a downward trend in your grades, schools can rescind your acceptance.
Thank your parents. The college application process is stressful for both them and you, so be sure to show some compassion and grace during the home stretch.
The point is, now that you're nearing the end of your high school career, details matter. And so does thanking the people who helped you succeed.
"A handwritten note for your teachers is non-negotiable," Katie says. "These teachers have put in a lot of additional effort that probably factored into some of your positive admissions decisions. They spent a lot of time doing this, often in their free time while not being compensated. Show them that you're willing to take that time also."
You'll also need to be ready to do the prep work that will pay off once you're officially a college kid. One such detail: housing.
"Some schools will let you put in a housing deposit as soon as you put in your application," Katie says. "It may cost $100, but that might be your only chance to get housing."
Check the "housing" section of your preferred schools' websites (or ask on the tour) to confirm their housing policies and avoid any unpleasant surprises in August.
And finally, be sure to have patience with your parents, friends and yourself at the tail-end of this exciting yet stressful, anxiety-ridden period.
"Have some grace and compassion and know you're in the home stretch," Katie says.
Need help with the admissions process? Call Garrett Educational Consulting at 980-677-0311 or email admin@garretteducationalconsulting.com. To learn more, subscribe to our newsletter here.
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