1st child going to college, when must the decision be made?

Parents Forum
1

When is the absolute latest a kid can select their college? My son seems to be dragging his feet some and I want to make sure he doesnt end up screwing himsel

2

When you say “select their college”, do you mean choose from the list of acceptances? If so, he has until May 1. At some schools, housing deposits are first come first served, but as far as academics and financial aid go, there is no reason to choose early. Many of us will argue that it’s better to wait and weigh things carefully.

But don’t let him be like my nephew who waited till 11:55 on April 30 to make his choice!

3

Usually it’s May 1st but some schools may have earlier deadlines to guarantee housing. You need to look at the schools where he’s been accepted and look at their timelines.

4

If he replied early decision…then there will be a decision date clearly written on his acceptance.

If he has received regular decision acceptances, he more than likely has until April 30 to make his matriculation decision. See if his acceptance letters say otherwise.

The day for most matriculation decisions for regular decision and early action accepted students is by May 1.

If his are regular decision acceptances or early decision…he is likely fine…and I’d let him drag his feet a little. Some kids don’t have a firm number one choice from their acceptances…and a lot can change between now and May 1.

Now…if he DOES have a first choice acceptance…no doubts…he can send his enrollment deposit in as soon as he wants to.

At some schools, housing preferences are on a first enrolled first serve basis. He might want to check that too.

5

I hope he doesn’t wait that long, lol thank you

6

Thank you everyone

7
  1. Yes, April 30. But don't wait until exactly that day since you don't want the computer to freeze up because everyone else is logging in.
  2. Like others say, some colleges try to get you to put deposits down for housing.
  3. Have him attend 2-3 admitted students day.
  4. Consider:

What is the net cost of each school, including transportation in the fall, spring, thanksgiving, christmas and spring break?

Have your child picked a top 2 or 3 and gone to their admitted students days?

I would make a spreadsheet and include info like:

Net Cost
Number of Undergraduates
Faculty Student Ratio
%of students that live on campus
How big is the department for your major? If you are majoring in something that only has a couple of professors, that does not bode well.
Housing- do they offer all 4 years? freshman only?

Is this a commuter school? (do students go home on weekends)
Surrounding area - what is the nearby town/amenities like?
Urban/rural/suburban Transportation - how would you get home
AP Credits - can you get credit for AP tests you have taken
Male/Female ratio
Greek life - what % of students are in greek life
Parking
Diversity
Safety
Sports
Campus
Jobs - what happens to seniors after they graduate
Internships - depending on your major, is it easy to get internships?
…and whatever makes sense for you

You might not care about, say, greek life. but if 50% of the kids are in greek life and you don’t want to be, that is something to know. Or you may want a big time sports scene or you might not want one.
If you are fancy, you could weight each of these.

Grade them from 1-5 as they make sense to you. Then see which one has the largest score.
Then see if that is the one you secretly would hope would win.

8

If the school is far away, also find out whether the dorms stay open during Thanksgiving and Spring Break (and Fall Break if the school has one). Not going home is a viable option for the shorter breaks if it’s a long and expensive trip, but this option is only available if the dorms are open.

9

@Marian the other option is going home with a local friend…i did that for fall break when I was at college

10

In addition to op question, should the student also let the college(s) they decide NOT to attend know? My s signed up for orientation/housing and made his decision. He applied to another school as a back up and was accepted there also. Should he contact admissions to let them know he will not attend (and disabilities office since he also requested accommodations)? tia

11

@1Loftus Yes, it’s a nice courtesy, although most colleges will figure it out if they haven’t heard from the student by May 1.

12

Sorry, tagged you incorrectly @1Lotus .

13

Thank you Isoinfo :slight_smile:

14

In practice, less selective schools will often allow you to commit later; they just won’t guarantee to have a spot for you. But don’t tell your kid that!