<p>As a senior in high school, I feel that this is my only opportunity to apply to a broad range of schools, to see the options available for higher education. The 13 schools on my list share similarities, but still represent a spectrum of institutions. Basically, I thought that I would get my acceptances/rejections, evaluate fin.aid packages, and then make my selection...</p>
<p>But, I just realized that we get letters in mid-April, and have to send a deposit in by May 1st. This means there is only really a couple of weeks to make a decision....</p>
<p>How does one make such an important decision in such little time?? Even if I was accepted to three of the schools on my list, I feel the decision would be extremely difficult! </p>
<p>What can I do in the next few months to really narrow down my top choices, without "falling in love" with a school I can potentially be rejected from?</p>
<p>My daughter’s in a similiar situation. We visited some, but not all, of the schools on her list. We figured that she’d either be able to decide, or we’ll have to scramble at the last minute, driving to visit the schools. She basically feels that she’s adaptable, and will get a good education and be happy at any of the schools on her list.</p>
<p>In the meantime, here are 2 suggestions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>take advantage of any opportunities to visit the schools (particularly if you have friends there to stay with).</p></li>
<li><p>Make a weekly tradition of visiting the school’s websites. Perhaps that will be your new Sunday morning ritual. Read their online newspapers. Especially the articles about whatever sports or activities you’d be involved in. See what social events they have for downtime. Are they making major changes about their dorms or food plans. Read the schedules for religious events… read their editorials. Whatever interests you. I think you can get a snapshot of the school if you read what the students are writing about doing.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks for the advice, mtpaper. I initially thought I could spend all of April visiting schools–but now that I have realized that some decisions come mid to late April, this seems a bit impossible. It would be convenient if seniors had off from school for a week, but with AP tests in the beginning of May, I doubt any faculty member would encourage that!</p>
<p>Ditto! I’ll find out in mid Dec. (Jan admission) and even the few weeks I’ll have will be broken by Christmas and holidays. Also, bad weather (east coast) may even make it impossible to re-visit any. I am pretty secure in my top choice, but it is still nice to re-visit… Also, if I don’t get into my top, I don’t really have a clear “second place,” you know?</p>
<p>Can you re-visit between now and then? I know it seems like a big investment of time since you don’t even know if you’re accepted, but maybe you can fit visits in over winter break?</p>
<p>My D is also in the same boat. She elected to apply only regular decision to all of her six schools. (Although one is rolling so she may hear before April 1)She is going on a 10 day European concert tour with her youth orchestra in early April --right after she gets the decisions. So there will be less than two weeks for her final decision when she returns. There probably won’t be time for visits after acceptances come in. She really likes all the schools on her list – from the safety to the lotteries. The intention was always to see where she gets accepted, and compare financial aid and merit packages. And in the meantime, keep finding opportunities to learn more about the schools. </p>
<p>Remember it’s still months away…you are growing, changing, your opinions and goals may shift, or at the least clarify. So things may seem much clearer come April.</p>