Acceptances are rolling in, and you're not sure what to do next. Or maybe you haven't applied yet, and you're panicking. Here are some answers to questions you might have right now.
1. I need to decide, but how do I know if a college is the right fit for me?
When deciding on a college, it's essential to evaluate whether you can picture yourself there. Have you visited the campus? Do you like the culture? What's the day-to-day experience like? If you're unsure, talk to students currently enrolled at the college or explore platforms like CampusReel.org and YouTube for student experiences. If you're still unsure what you want from your college experience, refer to this helpful article by Tyson Schritter of "Colleges of Distinction", which walks through key factors to consider during your decision-making process.
Other factors like student support, advising, career placement, and internships are also very important.
2. I haven’t applied yet—Is it too late?
No, it’s not too late to apply! While many schools have early application deadlines (often in November or December) for scholarships or regular admission, most colleges will still accept applications until at least February 1st. Some schools may even accept applications into the spring and summer, so there's still time.
3. I’ve been accepted to a few schools but haven’t decided yet. Should I create a student portal or pay the housing deposit just in case?
It’s perfectly fine to create student portals at a few schools, pay the housing deposit, and ensure you're on their communication lists. Once you finalize your decision, simply notify the admissions office of the school you won’t be attending.
If you're strongly considering a school, paying the housing deposit is a good idea to secure your spot. Schools like KU and K-State require this fee, which is typically non-refundable but relatively low ($30-$50). This will help you get a better place in line when spring dorm selection happens. Remember, no college enrollment fee is required to submit a housing deposit. These deposits are usually due by May 1st.
At schools like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, the enrollment fee is required before you can register for housing. This fee is partially refundable, and housing registration usually opens on February 1st. Be sure to check each school’s website for specific details.
4. Is it too late to apply for merit scholarships at some colleges?
Even if early scholarship deadlines have passed, some colleges may still offer merit scholarships for qualified applicants. Focus on colleges with rolling admissions, where applications are reviewed as they are received, as this can increase your chances of securing scholarship funds, even if you're applying later in the process.
5. I’m still not sure what to major in. Should I just state undecided?
College decisions don't end at "Where should I go to school?" Even if you've made the decision about where to attend, you might be nervous about what you should study while you're there.
It's okay if you're undecided about your major! Many universities, including KU and K-State, offer “Exploratory” programs for students who haven’t chosen a specific path yet. These programs let you explore broad fields, such as Business, Health and Behavioral Sciences, or Creative Arts and Design. However, some programs (like Engineering, Pre-Med, and certain Fine Arts or Architecture programs) have a more structured curriculum that’s best started right away.
While you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life at 18, taking time to explore your strengths and interests can help you make a more informed decision. Keep in mind that college is expensive, and some programs are so structured that delaying a decision might result in an extra year of study—**costing you at least $20,000** at most universities. Job shadow, talk to people who work in fields you're interested in, and consider taking an aptitude assessment with True Compass to explore your strengths and interests and determine your best fit careers.
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