I Have Been Accepted To College: Now What

Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to college. Now, “how do I pay for it and what are my next steps”, does this sound familiar? Many students get accepted to college and then are at a loss of what to do next. Here at CollegeWhale.com, we have put together a simple and quick checklist to help you through financing your college education. The first thing you need to do is determine your tuition costs and decide if you are in need of financial aid, most college students are. If you are in need, here are the next steps you will need to take:

1. Celebrate
Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment. Getting accepted into college is a significant achievement and deserves recognition.

2. Review the Offer
Carefully read through the acceptance letter and any accompanying materials. Pay attention to important details such as the deadline for accepting the offer, any required deposits, and instructions for next steps.

3. Compare Financial Aid Packages
If you applied for financial aid, compare the financial aid packages offered by each college that accepted you. Consider factors such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities to determine which school offers the best financial fit.

4. Visit the Campus
If possible, schedule a visit to the college to get a feel for the campus environment, meet with faculty and students, and explore the facilities. A campus visit can help you make an informed decision about whether the college is the right fit for you.

5. Consult with Advisors
Talk to your high school guidance counselor, teachers, and family members about your college options. They can provide valuable insights and advice to help you make your decision.

6. Make a Decision
After weighing all your options, decide which college you want to attend. Once you’ve made your decision, notify the college of your acceptance by the deadline specified in the acceptance letter.

7. Submit Necessary Paperwork
Follow the instructions provided by the college to submit any required paperwork, such as enrollment forms, housing applications, and financial aid documents.

8. Prepare for Transition
Start preparing for the transition to college by completing any pre-enrollment tasks, such as registering for orientation programs, arranging housing accommodations, and signing up for classes.

9. Stay Organized
Keep track of important deadlines and requirements to ensure a smooth transition to college. Create a checklist or calendar to help you stay organized throughout the process.

10. Stay Excited
Remember that starting college is an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue your goals. Stay positive and embrace the journey ahead!

Paying For College Quick Checklist

1. Apply for all the scholarships and grants you can.
This may take some work, but it is well worth it. Scholarships and grants provide you with FREE money for college, which unlike other financing methods, will never need to be repaid. For more on scholarships and grants view our scholarship section and utilize our free scholarship search.

2. Apply for federal student aid using FAFSA
FAFSA, the Free Application For Federal Student aid, is often the most important step in funding your college education. If you are in need of money for school, you will not want to forget about FAFSA. FAFSA is your important access point to all federal financial aid and federal student loans for college. Aside from scholarships, federal financial aid programs offer some of the least expensive loans and programs to help fund your college education.

3. Review your Student Aid Report
You will receive a SAR, or Student Aid Report after filing your FAFSA. This will help you to determine if your financial needs have been met. Often times, federal student aid does not cover all tuition costs, so do not be alarmed if this is the case for you.

4. Still Need More Money
If you still need more money for college, consider a private student loan. Private student loans may be used for: room and board, lab fees, or other education related expenses. However, students should be extremely careful to never borrow more in private student loans than they absolutely need to cover their college expenses.