The month of March marks the shift between winter and spring. But for college applicants, the arrival of March has been widely anticipated for months with a mix of excitement, hope, dread, and anxiety. College decisions begin to roll out steadily this month, with both jittery students and parents waiting anxiously for college acceptances. It is College Decision Season: Stay Calm and Cheer On.

Indeed, just the thought of college decision season brings butterflies to my stomach. It’s stressful for both kids and parents alike. It doesn’t matter whether your child is in high school, college or grad school. Hopes and dreams feel like they have been hanging in limbo for months. Whether you’re a seasoned empty nester or a soon-to-be one, it’s a nerve wracking process for everyone. Yet, I have been through this process with three kids on the high school, undergrad and graduate school level. I can honestly tell you it all works out. Take a deep breath, stay calm and follow these tried and true tips during College Decision Season.

Tried and True Tips During College Decision Season

• Manage Expectations: The college landscape has changed somewhat pre-pandemic versus post-pandemic. The most competitive colleges remain difficult to gain acceptance. However, 2023 is proving to be a challenging application year for different reasons. College applications are up, since many schools have gone test optional post-pandemic. Plus, more and more schools are accepting larger number of kids during Early Decision and Early Decision II rounds, leaving less spots during the Regular Decision period. If your child was accepted early, congratulations! You can all rest easy. If they opted for the Regular Decision cycle because they were unsure or wanted to weigh their options, they made the right choice for them. Early decision is binding, so it’s best to wait unless your child knows a school is for them. However, managing expectations during this waiting period can be helpful.
• Fields of Study May Make a Difference: Popular majors are creating a more competitive admission atmosphere for students, which could affect admission results. Universities need a variety of students to fill their classrooms. Everyone cannot be a computer science, business or biology major. Flexibility is key.
• Take Cues from Your Child: Remember that each child handles the admission process differently. Take cues from your child. Some like talking about the process, while others don’t want to discuss it at all. If you notice they are moody, agitated or snap back when you broach the subject, it’s best to change the subject and talk about something else until decisions come out.
• Anxiety is Running High: Remember that if you’re anxious about the results, your child is even more anxious. The fear of rejection is real. It can make them question all their efforts over the last four years. Remind them that they have worked hard, did their best and now it’s out of their hands. Schools have a number of factors they look at when making up their admissions classes. We simply cannot know them all. What makes one application stand out more than another will remain a mystery. Reassure your child that you are proud of them no matter what the outcome. Hopefully, it’s the result they have been waiting for. Ultimately, they should like every school on their list and be happy to attend any of them.

College Admission Decisions Have Arrived…What Next?

• Visit During Admitted Students Day/Weekend: Congratulations on their acceptances! Consider visiting or re-visiting schools with your child during Admitted Students Day/Weekend to get a new feel for the top schools on your child’s list. The schools will be welcoming you with open arms, hoping your child will accept! This is an opportunity for accepted students to see the school in a new light, see potential future classmates and hear more specifically about their programs. Stay overnight, explore the surrounding college town and its resources. Above all, enjoy the visit and the time together!
• Consider Scholarships/Merit Award: If your child has been offered any scholarships, congratulations! They have worked hard over the past four years and it’s wonderful when a school recognizes that with a scholarship or merit award. It’s time to consider them and weigh the cost benefits versus your child’s future goals. The cost savings can be considerable.

Determine the Best Fit: If your child is unsure, list the pros and cons of each school, desired programs, location, etc. Writing each down on paper makes it easier to assess individual schools for their strengths and weaknesses. It will help determine the best fit and their ultimate decision.

Follow Their Heart: Sometimes as parents we have specific schools in mind for our kids. However, it’s important to listen. Let them drive the selection process and follow their heart. Listen to their reasoning, their thought process and what’s important to them in a school. Differentiate between real desire versus trepidation. After all, it will be their home for next 4 years where they will grow in so many huge ways. They need to feel comfortable with the decision and be excited. If not, you will hear from them quickly in the Fall.

Alternatives To Consider During College Decision Season

When we were younger, it seemed like we had to take the straightest path towards our careers. Now, kids have alternative routes to help them reach their educational goals.

The Waitlist List: If your child is waitlisted, there is still hope! Depending on the school, there can be significant of movement off waiting lists for months. Be patient and make sure the school knows your child’s interest in attending their program. They are more apt to offer admission off the waiting list to someone they know will most likely accept.

Spring Admission: More schools are offering Spring Admission programs. Schools experience movement after the first semester, with some kids transferring, dropping out or studying abroad. As a result, some universities offer Spring Admission opportunities, providing another avenue into a dream school. In addition, spring admission gives fatigued students a much needed break from their studies. Others can save up by working for extra money for school. During the Fall semester or following summer, students can take courses or study abroad to provide transferrable college credits to stay on track with their peers.

Transferring Is Possible: Remember that transferring, while not ideal, is always an option if a student does well. I have seen kids transfer to phenomenal schools. However, good grades are essential. Hard work pays off with additional options!

Online Programs: There are more online programs than ever before. Sometimes kids need to stay close to home for medical reasons, monetary reasons or work opportunities. With so many online programs now, there are alternative ways to obtain a college degree, graduate degree or specialty certificate.

It All Works Out In The End

After seeing numerous kids get into a variety of colleges, this is a reminder that it ultimately all works out! Remember that it’s only one step in their educational journey! So stay calm and cheer them on! They will thrive and reach their educational goals at any school. What matters most is their happiness in their environment, their studies and their growth into kind, bright adults. It’s an exciting time, where they will soon be off spreading their wings.

Congratulations to all the wonderful, hard working students and their loving, supportive parents! It’s time to make their special mark on the world! It’s College Decision Season: Stay Calm and Cheer On!