SECTION VIII

THE DECISION

THE DECISION

Once all the applications have been completed, photocopied, and mailed, you should try to relax and wait. Try not to be too nervous. Most regular decision college responses arrive in April. If a college's reply seems late, it is acceptable to call the admissions office to check.

Meanwhile, if you receive a postcard or a letter indicating that there is "information missing," try to resolve it without panicking. Often times, parts of your application, like teacher letters of recommendation are already in the admissions office waiting to be processed. Check with your teacher to confirm that the letter has been sent. However, sometimes, mail is lost, and if that is the case, you should be fine because teachers and counselors can fax duplicate copies to the colleges.

As you wait for responses, be sure to continue performing as well as you can on your schoolwork and other activities. Remember most colleges ask for your final transcript, and some colleges may rescind their offer if your academic work declines significantly.

Be sure to keep a low profile among your friends when it comes to talking about colleges. There are a tremendous number of variables involved in the selection process. While the grade point average, SAT, and ACT are important factors, they are not the only factors in the admission decision. Sometimes, students are accepted because they are from an under-represented region, are legacy children, or perhaps have a musical talent a certain school needs. In other words, the admissions process is often extremely confusing and vague. Wait until you are actually accepted before celebrating. Do not disparage any college. A school you dislike could be another student's first choice.

•HANDLING REJECTION

Understanding that there are many, many factors considered during the selections process, you should not feel that a "rejection" by a certain school is a "rejection" of you as a person. The admissions officers do not know you personally. We have all had the experience of not "winning" something — a contest, a job, a certain grade, and so forth. Yes, it does hurt. But fortunately, our experiences have taught us how to deal with these temporary setbacks. And we know that if we really want to learn, we can do so at any college.

At the same time, your letter will let you know if you are denied admission because you have not fulfilled all the course requirements. If this is the case, call the school and see if you can take classes in the summer to make up this deficiency. See your counselor if you do not have a back up plan.

•GETTING ACCEPTED

If you have been accepted by several institutions, compare their financial aid packages, ask questions, then make a decision. Notify the college of your acceptance and immediately decline the other schools. After all, someone else might like to have your spot. Then wait for your college to contact you. Respond to all correspondence promptly.