Finish your applications
After you submit your college applications, colleges will usually contact you via email. Some will also ask you to set up a portal that they’ll use for communication instead of email. In this portal, you can often find a checklist of items to complete before your application will be reviewed and admission status updates. After you have been accepted, you may also see financial aid award information here.
Be sure to check your email and college portals frequently after submitting your applications. It’s important to confirm that each college has received all application materials. They may also need more information from you (such as proof of fee waiver eligibility).
What if you don’t hear from a college? If the college doesn’t contact you, reach out to them two weeks after submitting your application. Send a professional email to the admissions office to confirm that they’ve received your application. Also ask if they need anything else from you.
Additional items you may need to submit after applying
There are additional items you also need to submit after completing your college application. They include:
- Sending your application fee waiver. If you checked off that you’d be using an application fee waiver, you’ll need to mail it to the admissions’ office or upload it into your student portal. Verify with the college which way is the correct way since it can vary across schools.
- Sending your official SAT and/or ACT test scores if you didn’t do so when you registered for the exams. Log into your College Board account to send your SAT scores. Log into your ACT account to send your ACT scores.
- Sending any letters of recommendation. Remember, these aren’t always required but they’re a nice addition to help set you apart.
- Sending your transcript. Follow your high school’s process for requesting and sending an official high school transcript. You’ll need to send a final official high school transcript at the end of the year to the college you’re attending as well.
- Monitoring your application status in your student portal. The college will notify you of any special application requirements or incomplete items.
After you’re admitted
After you’re admitted to a school, you may need to select housing before you can complete any enrollment steps.
Where to live during college is one of many exciting decisions you’ll make as you move into the next phase of your life. While this decision may seem stressful, it doesn’t have to be. Movies about college tend to show long corridors of dorms, but the reality of on- and off-campus student housing has changed in recent years. Colleges offer a variety of living arrangements and amenities to students so that you can find an option that’s most comfortable for you.
We’ve outlined a few guiding questions here to help you consider several factors when choosing where to live during college:
- What are your on-campus housing options and requirements?
- Does it cost more to live on campus or off campus?
- How will I get to class?
- Does my financial aid offer include funds for housing?
- What will I need to be happy, safe, and successful in my classes?
Pros and cons of each housing option
Each housing option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to explore the pros and cons of each option below so you can find the best fit for you.