There are a lot of steps in the college application process—selecting colleges, writing essays, paying application fees, taking the ACT and SAT, filling out financial aid applications, applying for scholarships…the list goes on and on.
So, once you’ve done all of these tasks and have college acceptances rolling in, it’s easy to feel like you’ve made it to the finish line of your college app to-do list. But you haven’t quite yet! Now the power is in your hands to decide which college is lucky enough to have you as a student. Understanding how to commit to a college will help you make the best decision for your future.
When Do I Have to Commit to a College?
National College Decision Day, sometimes also known as “College Signing Day” occurs every year on May 1st.
This is the earliest deadline colleges can give you to commit (unless you were admitted Early Decision and signed a binding agreement to commit if you were admitted). If you need more time for any reason—like waiting on financial aid, family emergency, etc.—you need to reach out to the colleges before this date to have a later deadline pre-approved.
If you have not communicated with your colleges and do not commit on May 1st, most colleges will assume you are attending elsewhere and your offer of admission will no longer be available. So be sure to mark your calendar so that you do not miss the May 1st deadline to commit to a college!
Please not, May 1st is the deadline, but you can always commit sooner, and for many schools, accepting sooner means better choices of housing and orientation dates.
How to Commit to a College
In the digital world, and with over 1,000 colleges now using the Common App, accepting your offer of admission and committing to a college is easy and fairly standardized. Most, if not all, of the colleges you applied to provided you with an applicant portal website after you applied. This is where you likely submitted supplemental documents, checked for your admissions decision, and viewed financial aid offers.
When you log into your applicant portal, you should find a button or link near the top to accept your offer of admission. When you accept, you will be prompted to pay a non-refundable deposit as well to confirm your commitment. If you cannot pay the deposit online for some reason, call the admissions office at your school of choice to process your commitment over the phone.
Remember, you should commit to only one college. You signed an agreement when you submitted your applications stating that you would only deposit at one college. Double-depositing is unethical and could lead to your offers of admission being rescinded.
How Do I Decide Where to Commit?
Unless you have a dream school that you’ve always known you would attend if admitted, you’ll likely need to decide where to go from your acceptance options. This is a big decision—college isn’t just where you’ll take classes. It’s where you’ll live, eat, sleep, build friendships, and experience some of the most transformative years of your life. You’re not just picking a school; you’re choosing where to call home for the next four years.
If you have multiple good options, do additional research before deciding. Go visit the campus, if you haven’t already, or again if you have to see the dorms, eat the food, experience the culture, and talk to current students about what life is really like.
Furthermore, look through the curriculum for your desired major to see which feels right for you. Check out “First Destination” reports (usually found through Career Services) to see the hiring rates in your major and companies who traditionally hire students for each school.
Finances are another crucial factor in your decision, as the cost of college can have a long-term impact on your financial future. Carefully compare financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loan offers, to determine which college provides the best overall value. Look beyond just the initial award—consider how aid might change in future years and whether scholarships are renewable.
Also, factor in additional expenses such as housing, meal plans, transportation, and personal costs. If one school requires frequent flights home while another is a short drive away, those travel costs can add up. Research the cost of living in each college’s location—some cities are significantly more expensive than others, which can affect everything from rent (if you move off-campus later) to dining and entertainment.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong decision—only the one that’s right for you.
Should I Notify the Colleges I Am Not Attending?
Yes! While it is not required, it is a good courtesy.
By letting colleges know you are not attending, you allow them to offer your spot to another student who was not originally admitted. It will also help stop all of the emails colleges regularly send you reminding you to accept. Most colleges have a button or link in the applicant portal to use to let them know (often the same as the one you would accept from). If you cannot find this, you can send a quick email to the admissions office to decline your offer.
What Happens After I Commit to a College?
After you commit to a college and pay your deposit, you’ll start receiving information about your next steps. You’ll need to sign up for housing and possibly orientation, set up your college email account, and choose a dining plan. Colleges may also request additional documentation, such as immunization records—or you may need to get updated vaccines if required.
Some schools have placement tests to determine the right level for your math or English courses. Once your senior year ends, your college will require a final transcript to confirm you’ve graduated before you can officially start.
Every school has its own process, so be sure to check your email and student portal regularly so that nothing slips through the cracks
Conclusion
Committing to a college is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to carefully weigh your options and understand how to commit to a college on time. Once you’ve made your decision, stay on top of deadlines for housing, orientation, and paperwork to ensure a smooth transition.
If you need help in making your final decision or navigating any part of admissions process, schedule a free consultation with HelloCollege today!
