| If your family is still waiting to hear back on an appeal for more financial aid or merit scholarships, or if your senior is still grappling with where to go, you’re not alone. This year, we’ve heard from more families than ever before who are paralyzed by the weight of this decision. Choosing a college isn’t just about dorm rooms and majors—it’s about future identity, financial stress, and dreams coming into focus or drifting away. For some students, the indecision is overwhelming. And who can blame them when FAFSA errors and financial ambiguity are making it nearly impossible to compare offers apples to apples?
The good news is that there’s still time. Students can and should reach out to their admissions reps and request an extension if needed. But they’ll need to be honest and clear about why—whether it’s an unresolved financial aid appeal, waitlist results pending from another school, or even the idea of deferring for a Gap Year. Clear communication with college reps can open the door to support, next steps, and sometimes even flexibility colleges aren’t openly advertising. But know this: the longer your student waits to decide, the more that delay can impact their options—priority housing, course selection, orientation dates—all of that can be affected. Students waiting too long may end up with early morning or Friday-only class schedules or be stuck in the least desirable dorms.
If your student has made their final decision, congratulations! It’s time to make it official—submit your deposit, confirm housing, and attend the college’s Admit or Orientation Day. These are the moments when the excitement starts to feel real: class schedules, campus tours, new friends, and imagining life as a freshman. It’s also time to get serious about graduation party planning, dorm shopping, and applying for any last-minute outside scholarships to help cover the bill.
Ultimately, we want your student to feel excited and confident in their decision. After all, this campus will be their new home for the next several years. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, don’t worry—College and Beyond LLC is here to help. Whether it’s making a final decision or pushing for more aid, schedule a Zoom session with us today. This year might be different, but with the right guidance, your family can still move forward with clarity and confidence. |
