Congratulations to the students who have received multiple offers. It is important to understand each offer and compare them all and find the one that is a right fit for you. Here are a few tips to evaluate your college options:
1. Understand The Various Offers
Review the various offers and make sure you understand various terms and conditions of your offers.
Register for all the exams that you are required to complete and also achieve the necessary grades as part of the offer.
Contact your school to send the certified results to the University/College of your choice.
2. Gathering More Information
Get as much information as you can from university/college websites, forums, current students, alumni or by visiting the institutions. Research and get answers to questions.
Freshman Retention Rate: How many students return after freshman year? The low return percentage indicates that the university either could not meet the student’s expectations or does not help student acclimate to college life.
Graduation Rate: It is also important to get information on how many students graduate in 4 years from a 4 year program.
Be active on Social Media: Join various groups on Facebook/Blogs pertaining to the university and also the specific program you have received the offer for. This will help you in making friends and also an insight into the queries/concerns of other students and also the replies of the current students/university staff.
Explore the clubs, societies and activities: Assess whether the university has some fun activities pertaining to what interests you.
Events and info sessions: Take a campus tour on the university open days or take a virtual tour to get a feel for what it’s like to be a student and life at that campus. Assess if you will feel at home at the institution you are interested in.
Living: Explore the various residence options and check if there is one that fits in with your lifestyle. There are usually many options to choose from:
– Traditional or non-traditional
– Something new or with history
– Closer to classes or closer to downtown
– Roommate or room to yourself
– With meal plan or without meal plan
3. Compare offers
Scholarships/Financial Incentives: For some students the amount of scholarship will be important. However, it is important to find a balance between the school ranking and financial assistance. A highly ranked school with less financial assistance might pay you more in the long run as the salary offered to a graduate of a highly ranked is much more.
Career Goals: Do an in-depth study of how each program will help you advance your professional trajectory. Find out which companies recruit at the institution, and the strength of the career services centre and alumni network. Study the annual employment rate and average salaries of fresh graduates of the various programs you are interested in.
Fit: Choose the university that is a right fit for you in terms of your comfort factor, climate, flight connections, place etc.
Also read: Why and How to Study Abroad: Unlocking Global Opportunities in India
4. Responding to your offers
Make your decision much before the deadline to accept the offers.
Respond to the university you have decided to attend. Make sure to submit the following before the deadline:
– Your acceptance
– Fee deposit
– Acceptance letter for financial aid, if required
– Official mark sheets
Respond to the institutions whose offers you’re declining. This frees up spaces for other students.
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