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First things first, CONGRATULATIONS!!! The college application process can be long and stressful, and now you are on the other end. At this point you have one or a few acceptance letters and must decide which school is the best fit for you. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your options. 

1. Plan an in-person visit 
   Virtual tours and websites are great, but there is a certain feeling or “vibe” you get once you are on a school's campus. This can either be an official tour or a quick trip to check out the school yourself. Either way, you will be able to tell if you could see yourself on this campus or not. 

2. Dorming vs. Commuting  
   This may have been something you considered while applying for colleges, but now you have to decide if you want to live on campus or commute from home.  There are many factors to consider like distance, costs of room and board, comfortability of a roommate and more. Time to make a pros and cons list and find out which living arrangement will help you be the best student you can be. 

3. Grants and Scholarships 
   College is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be!  Make sure you check your email and district website for any local scholarships or grants available to you.  Going Merry is a great resource for scholarship resources and you can find more resources in this article . You can also check in with your College & Career Counselor to get more information.   

4. Financial Aid Packages 
   Again, college is expensive, but schools will also offer scholarships and financial aid packages directly to applicants who have been accepted. A financial aid package is the amount of money a school is able to provide for your continuing education. Be sure to compare the packages provided by each school you are accepted to, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Many times you can negotiate more financial aid if you speak directly to a financial officer at your school. 

5. Commit to your school 
   Once you have decided which school is the best fit for you, you will need to send in a deposit to hold your place. The deadline for this deposit is usually around May 1st. This is a big decision so make sure you weigh all your options and feel comfortable with your choice. Don’t forget all the hard work you have put in this far, and be proud of all you have accomplished! 

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