Your college applications are submitted, the next step is “The Waiting Game.” Waiting to hear back on admissions decisions. You might feel excitement, nervousness, relief or uncertainty. Remember to stay confident and try not to worry. You still have some work to do. Ensure you are preparing for the next steps and monitoring the process.
Weekly digest of information and resources for college applications, education success and financial aid.
Follow the included links to find articles to learn more.
Ensure that you are set-up to receive, record and respond to any and all messages from the college campuses to which you applied.
You cannot miss deadlines.
Many colleges use a messaging system that is contained inside their student online portal – if so, set up a schedule to log in and check your message inbox.
Colleges may send you emails that include deadline tasks and requests for more information. Make sure they are going to spam or getting lost in your busy inbox.
Check your U.S. Mail box too!
Tip Tuesday
Confirm the college applications you sent are complete.
- The application review process may not begin until your application is complete.
- Be aware of admissions’ office deadlines about your application.
- Submit any additional documents colleges request.
- Check your SAT/ACT scores are sent.
- Check your FAFSA lists the school you are strongly considering.
- Does the college want your transcript now?
More information from CaliforniaCollege.edu
QUESTION: When will I hear if I got accepted into college?
ANSWER: Most colleges send admission decisions during the month of March.
Each campus has its own timeline for notifying students of admission. Some begin notifying applicants of an admission decision soon after the receipt of an application and all necessary documents. Other campuses notify all applicants on a set date. It’s not uncommon for there to be a period of several months between your submitting your application and receiving an admission decision. CSU Admission FAQ
UC Admission: If you are a fall-term freshman applicant, each campus you applied to during the filing period generally will notify you whether you have been admitted between March 1-31.
CSU Admission: Through March—depending on how quick each campus is—you should receive your admission decision (meaning whether you’ve been admitted, denied admission, or waitlisted for admission).
Wait List
You may be placed on the wait list when you meet the admission requirements, but the college has already accepted the number of applicants it has room for. If a spot becomes available later on, you may be offered a place.
This is the list of applicants who may be admitted to a college if space becomes available. Colleges wait to hear if all the students they accepted decide to attend. If students don’t enroll and there are empty spots, a college may fill them with students who are on the waiting list.
Learn more about waiting lists:
Alternative position – College Confidential
MYTH: My test score is the most important factor in a college’s admission decision.
FACT: While most four-year colleges require tests, the emphasis on the test scores varies by college.
Your scores are just one of many factors, including your grades, choice of classes, personal essay, letters of recommendation, and other elements of your application.
Also – high test scores won’t automatically get you in any college.
For example, you may have high scores, but your school record shows that you haven’t worked hard in your classes.
Colleges want well-rounded students who have shown good character, motivation and accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom. Bust more admission test myths here
“This scholarship allowed me to become a better person in my community, school and in my home. It allowed me to push myself in my studies and become more involved on campus. I am extremely grateful for Future Sacramento and all of the many people that invested in our education, especially my mentor Elizabeth Marlow. She was there for me time after time, helping me step by step in the process. I couldn’t have done it without her. This amazing opportunity allowed me to reach my ultimate goal of receiving my Masters in Early Childhood Education. Coming from a low-income family, this opportunity would just be a dream but with the Future Sacramento it became a reality.” – Monica
