Take a Moment to Celebrate

This year may not have been what you expected, but you did not let that stand in your way; you may have had to visit your dream schools via a virtual platform; you may have had to meet with your guidance counselors via a Zoom link, but you did it!

You will want to be sure that you make your decision on or before May 1 so that your dream college/university is prepared for your arrival.

You did your research, you met with admission representatives, you worked with your guidance counselors to decide which colleges you should apply to, you applied to the colleges and universities on your list, and you have been accepted! You have celebrated with your family and friends. The hard work is behind you; now you must decide where you will spend the next 4 or 5 years of your life embracing the academic arena. So much to look forward to — new environments, new friends, new clubs and organizations that are all waiting for your arrival.

This is a big decision that may not come easy to you as you contemplate where to attend. Perhaps you are still weighing your options. Use your admissions representatives as a resource to ask any burning questions that may still be left unanswered, visit college websites to take virtual tours, seek out the advice of those that have helped you to achieve your goal of getting these offers of admission. But be sure that you get all of that done prior to May 1 in preparation of National College Decision Day — that's when you need to let your college or university know that you will be attending there in the fall so that they are prepared for your arrival!

Take time to celebrate this decision! Be sure you stay in touch with your university throughout the summer. There will be a lot for universities to do to prepare for your arrival and you will have some tasks to complete to ensure you are prepared to step foot on campus in the fall.

Use the summer to get to know your fellow classmates via social media, which is a great place to find future roommates. Be sure that you have completed all the items your college requires prior to your arrival. It's also important to keep checking your email and college portal to make sure you don't miss any deadlines.

Be confident in your decision and be open to new things. College is a time for learning and for exploration and with hard work and dedication you will be destined for greatness!