College Decisions

How Long Should You Wait on a Waitlist?

Important factors to consider to be sure you’re making smart decisions that will help you achieve your college goals.

I Got Into Several Schools. Here’s How I Decided Where to Go

A high personal acceptance rate can actually be quite the predicament — a good predicament, yes, but a predicament nonetheless.

3 Tips for Using Extracurriculars to Make Up for Low Test Scores

If you have lower-than-ideal test scores, but impressive extracurriculars, here’s how to make your application shine.

6 Steps to Take If You Don’t Get in Early Action

Whether you were denied admission or deferred, you’re likely wondering what to do next. Here are a few things to consider.

What You Need to Know About Early Decision II

There’s Early Decision, Early Action and another lesser-known option for applying early to college — Early Decision II.

5 Communications Majors Share Their First Job Experience

Recent communications grads share their first jobs, paychecks and how exactly they landed those gigs.

Haven’t Started Your College Applications? We’ve Got You Covered

College is too important a decision to make out of desperation. So, take a deep breath and follow this to do list.

Beyond the Common Application: What is the Coalition Application?

Learn about this new alternative to the Common Application and the resources available through Coalition for College.

Families Share Why They Applied Early Decision

To help you through your early decision debate, parents and students share their reasons for applying early decision.

What I Wish I Knew Before I Applied to College

Here is what current and former students wish they had known before — and want you to know about — applying to college.

I Picked My School Based on Its Sports Teams. Here’s How I Actually Liked It

If you pick a college based on its sports teams, will you actually like it? After all, not every day of the week is game day. Former students share their take.

I Went to a Commuter School and Loved It

Students who took a practical approach and opted for a commuter school share why it was the right choice for them.

College Prep: What’s Worth the Money?

Parents who’ve spent extra money on their kids’ college application process report back on the outcomes.

Quiz: Should You Apply Early Decision?

Find out if you’re ready to make the commitment of applying to college early decision.

The Question: What Factors Shaped Your College Decision?

What should you look for when choosing a college? We asked several college-bound students how they made the decision.

Admissions Officers Share Their 5 Biggest Application Pet Peeves

To be sure you make the best impression you can with your application, former and current admissions officers share the most common and annoying applicant mistakes.

The Question: Why College?

Everyone has a different reason for going to college. We asked several college-bound students to share what college means to them.

Why Deferring College Acceptance Was the Best Choice for Me

Not everyone goes straight from senior year to college. Here are three students who deferred college acceptance and are happy with their choice.

7 Things High School Juniors Need to Do the Summer Before Senior Year

Senior year can be one of the most jam-packed times of your academic career. Take some time to do a little prep work during the summer.

Spring Must-Do’s for the College-Bound Senior

You may have a college acceptance in hand, but that doesn't mean your college-prep work is over just yet.

What You Can Do to Get Accepted Off a Waitlist

Waitlisted? Not the ideal situation, but there are a few things you can — and should — do that may increase your chances of getting accepted.

Summer Enrichment Programs To Consider Before College

These programs can ease your college transition, help you create relationships with other incoming students and sometimes offer college credit. Here are several that could be a fit for you.

I Went to My Safety School and I Love It

Enrolling in your safety school can be a major disappointment. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Real students share their stories of loving their safety school experience.

Why I’m Glad I Chose a Women’s College

Current women’s college students and alumnae share why they chose a single-sex school and the benefits of all-female education.

5 Questions You Need to Ask Before You Enroll

Be sure you’re picking the right school by asking admission officers these questions you may not have asked in your application process.

5 Solid Backup Plans for When You Don’t Get Accepted Anywhere

Not getting into college can be scary, but there are solutions. Here are some backup plans that can help.

5 of the Biggest 2018 College Admissions and Application Trends

Check out these trends so you can leverage new technology and developments to help you get accepted.

QUIZ: How Do I Know If the College I’m Considering Is Right for Me?

Not sure you’re picking the right school? Take this quiz to find out if you’re making the best college choice for you.

How to Keep Your Cool When You’re Waiting to Hear Back from Colleges

Current college students and recent grads share what worked for them.

The Pros and Cons of Rolling Admission

This alternative to the standard college admission approach could work in your favor.

What to Do After You Get in Early Action

If you’re accepted early action, should you accept immediately or hold off until you hear from other schools?

Can My College Admission Be Revoked?

There are four major reasons this happens. Learn them and avoid them.

Why I Chose to Attend an HBCU

Courtney McCrimmon, a recent graduate of Hampton University, reflects on her experience.

If You’ve Fallen Behind on Applications, Here’s How to Recover Now

January deadlines are looming. Here’s how you can still hit them.

How to Handle Your Child’s College Process When You’re Divorced

Visiting, applying to and pursuing financial aid at colleges is a complicated process for any family.

Should You Consider a Gap Year?

If you’re thinking about taking a break before starting college, ask yourself these questions.

What Happens If You Get in Early Decision But Change Your Mind?

You committed but changed or your mind or are facing new circumstances. What now?

Should You Get Your Degree Online?

Three students who are doing it explain how to decide whether it is — or isn’t — right for you.

6 Last-Minute Things to Do Before You Submit Your Apps

It’s easy to overlook these things while you’re trying to juggle school, life and extracurriculars.

The Unique Challenges of Applying to College as a Refugee

When it came time to apply to college, Wajma Soltan, an Afghan refugee, wasn’t quite sure where to start.

Here’s Why Your College Might Be Blowing Up Your Phone

Texts can be a valuable resource for keeping you informed and on track, but they also raise questions about students’ privacy and personal space.

Is There Value in Interning Before College?

Not many students complete their first internships while still in high school, but these three students did.

9 Ways to Stay Sane While Applying to College

Juggling schoolwork and college applications can be stressful. These techniques will make it easier.

What to Do If Your Child Is Falling Behind on College Applications

If your teen isn’t keeping up, here are four ways to get involved while respecting the young adult they are becoming.

Where To Draw The Line In Your Child’s College Application Process

You may want to help your kid with their application, but how much help is too much?

6 Ways Parents Can Power Through the College Application Process

College applications can be stressful for parents as well as students. But you can get through it.

Should You Go To Community College Before Your Freshman Year?

This summer, why not take an axe to next year’s college tuition bill. How? Two words: Community college.

What to Look For in a Prospective College if You Have a Disability

You are your own best advocate.

How to Choose a College Without Visiting It

For some prospective college students, going on a campus tour isn't a possibility. Luckily, there are ways to get a sense of your future alma mater without stepping foot on campus.

4 Things to Consider When Applying to a Prestigious College

Are the biggest college brand names really the best for you.

First-Generation College Student? You’re Not Alone

It can feel isolating as the first in the family to go to college, but there is support.

Better Than a College Meal Plan? A Student’s Kitchen on Wheels

This college student wanted to cook her own meals at college. One problem? The lack of a kitchen. So she created a DIY version.

Is Early Decision the Best College Decision? 

Early Decision applications may be the best way to show a college you’re interested, but is Early Decision right for you?

Is Your Digital Imprint Helping or Hurting Your College Applications?

Hey college applicants, are your social media feeds clean enough for college admissions?

How to Turn a College Rejection into a College Acceptance

You may not have received the college acceptance you’ve been waiting for, but there’s always next year.

How to Get the Support You Need on Campus

Remember that recognizing when you need help and knowing how to ask for it is part of your educational experience at college.

Second Thoughts on Your College Choice? Here’s What to Do

How to Handle the Lull after Deciding on a College

So now what? After all the deadlines, essays, college visits and financial aid number-crunching, you probably feel a mix of emotions.

Steps to Appealing a College Rejection Letter

It’s natural to be upset if you receive a rejection letter from your top college pick. But as you begin to consider your acceptances, you may want to revisit that rejection from your first choice school too.

How to Handle a College Admissions Rejection

There is life after rejection. Follow these tips.

True Story: How I Overcame College Rejection

You may not have been accepted to your first-choice college, but sometimes your second choice is a better fit.

5 Things You Need to Do Before College Decision Day

It's time to make one of the biggest choices of your life.

Is Transferring the Right Decision for You?

Leaving one school and starting all over at another can be challenging, so you should consider these things before deciding to transfer.

How to Make the Most of Your College Studies for a Medical Career

For anyone who aspires to become a doctor or other medical professional, getting into a good medical school is the first step.

You Got Your Early Decision News. Now What?

From acceptance to deferral to rejection, these are your next steps.

What Colleges are Looking for During an Interview

The college interview is usually not a required part of the application process, but admissions committees at selective schools use them to get to know applicants better.

7 Good Questions to Ask During Your College Interview

Remember that you're interviewing the school, too.

How Important Is a College Interview?

Scheduling a college interview and making a good impression is a great way to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Your Month-By Month College Application Plan

From now until January, consider this your game plan.

3 Things to Know about Applying Early Decision

It’s a big commitment, and you’ll need to be organized and ready to move quickly if you want to make it happen, since the deadline for many schools’ early decision admissions is in early November.

The Major Differences Between Early Action and Early Decision

Do you just want to get the college application process over with? You should consider applying early.

5 Questions To Ask When Making Your College List

It's a balance of what's important to you, what's realistic, and what will best serve your needs.

8 Tips for Impressive and Error-Free College Applications

In addition to highlighting your accomplishments, it’s important to show colleges “what’s in it for them.”

Who to Ask for Letters of Recommendation

Here are a few ideas to help you decide.

How To Get Your Student Organized For College Applications

Are your students feeling overwhelmed? These tips can help them (and you) stay on top of their applications.

5 Things to Do During Spring Break to Prepare for College

Between prom prep and finals, it doesn’t hurt to find a little time to prepare for college early, and spring break is the perfect opportunity to begin.