10 tips for college deadlines and decisions
Regardless of where you are in the college application process, you probably have a deadline or a decision looming. Maybe you have completed your applications and are starting to hear from schools. Or you could have approaching deadlines and can see the light! Maybe you’re looking to transfer, or just beginning to work on your applications. Whatever situation you are in, here’s 10 tips to consider!
Strive to reach the early action deadlines if you can because they are often linked to scholarship opportunities. Not all early action deadlines are the same, they could range from rolling, to Nov. 1 to as late as Dec. 1.
If you are applying to an art program, your supplemental material may not be due until December. Look to each school for specific guidance or sign up with us for specific guidance UC schools have a Nov. 30th deadline for their UC application.
Check your EMAIL daily and set up a student portal for each application. You will receive a confirmation from each school that your application has been receive. If you do not, this is odd and you should follow up with the school. You will be prompted by each school to open a student portal. You must do this as this is where you can see the status of your application. It is your responsibility to make sure you check the portals to understand what is required of you. Always use the same email for all college applications.
If you have heard from schools regarding your application and they answer is Yes, Let the Door wide open to bask in the congratulations! And then look closely at what they are offering. It feels amazing to be wanted but just like any situation, you want to make sure you want them back. You have plenty of time to decide if you applied Early Action.
Private schools tend to release decisions as your applications come in. Smaller programs may try to offer you a spot early so that you sign up. But there is no pressure. Enjoy this moment and get all your answers before deciding.
Don't worry if you have not heard. Most, if not all highly competitive programs - like under 30% acceptance rate will release decisions at the same time and they announce it on social media. Follow your schools on social media and you will see. State schools often do not release information until Dec/Jan. and at the same time - so even if your state school is not a reach school, it may not send you an acceptance yet. Bottom line, as long as you have heard that your application is being processed, hang tight and wait for those acceptances.
Sometimes schools offer additional opportunities like applying to an honors program that you did not consider at first, or applying for more scholarship/merit competitions. These opportunities have new deadlines. Schedule a meeting with us to discuss these specific applications.
Finished up with your college applications? Take this opportunity to start looking for scholarships. Think of it like a part time job. Check your state arts council, or county arts council. apply for Scholastic arts. Look to art companies who offer scholarships. Look to your local community for small scholarships or set up a holiday market to make things to sell.
Thank your family and teachers. You are amazing and you got to be amazing with amazing support. Handwritten thank you letters go a long way. We know your families and know how much they care about you. So don’t forget to thank your parents too!
Still feeling concerned? Reach out to us at The Gesso, and we would be more than happy to help with advice, admissions materials, and anything else!