The coaches at College Admissions Assistance want to take this moment to congratulate all college-bound seniors. After a long and chaotic admissions season, it is now coming down to the May 1st enrollment deadline by decision day. By this point, the Class of 2014 should have received acceptance and award letters from their prospective colleges. They should be in a position to crunch some numbers and make some exciting life decisions! As the clock winds down, it is imperative that students understand each of their award offers so that they can make a informative decision. If you have not received an award letter or acceptance notification from a prospective school, contact them now! If you have not yet applied to a college, be aware that you may still have some options, but they will be very limited, and you need to get started. If the award offered from the college you want to attend is not sufficient, you can appeal the offer. The best time to do this is before you submit an enrollment deposit. The most successful appeals are usually based on extenuating financial circumstances such as: job loss, income loss, unforeseen expenses, or a better offer from a rival college. Colleges may take some time to consider an appeal, so those who have not yet started the process should do so as soon as possible. Also, be prepared to provide documentation to verify any claims. If you think you will not have enough information to make a decision by May 1st, CAA Coaches recommend that you ask for a deadline extension. The colleges usually agree, but you must ask! You may also want to consider putting a housing deposit down right away to guarantee a spot in a dorm, but be careful to check refund policies if you decide not to attend. Although the affordability of a college is a very important factor, CAA coaches want to encourage students to weigh the costs against the value of the school. Are you going to be happy there? Are you going to be able to pursue your goals? Are there opportunities to get you ready for your career? For many students and their families, these answers may not come easily or be clear-cut, but if so, it means you have some great choices in front of you. This is a very exciting time for you and your family. CAA clients are urged to let us know once a decision is made, and all students should set aside some time to celebrate their accomplishments. This has been a long journey, and a new one is just about to begin. We hope you are happy with the results, and that you cherish your remaining time as a high school student!
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