Some regular-admission decisions start to arrive.  Read them carefully to find out when you need to respond.

If you have been accepted to more than one college and cannot decide between them, use your spring break to revisit the schools and speak with an admissions counselor to cover any remaining questions you may have.

By April 1st, you should hear from all of the schools to which you applied.  If you get placed on the wait-list, respond promptly and professionally to the school to let them know if you would like to remain on their waiting list or if you would like to be removed. 

Compare offers-  Assuming you aren’t already committed to a school because of Early Decision, compare your acceptances and financial offers from all of the your schools.  Weigh the programs at each one, their location, their acceptance rates to grad schools and the financial feasibility of each offer. 

Appeal offers-  If there is a school you really like but their financial aid offer doesn’t make it affordable for you, communicate with the school and see if they can offer any modifications to their current offer.  Don’t be demanding or try to pit one school against another.  Simply take the time to explain why this school is your top choice and why the costs of attending are still outside of your reach.  Offer any other attributes or special circumstances they may need to know when considering you for additional merit aid.

Deposits-  Some schools may ask you to send in a deposit to hold your spot until you make your final decision.  These deposits are usually refundable if you notify them that you need it refunded by May 1st.  Deposits sent after May 1st are non-refundable.  Some students end up sending in multiple deposits in March and April, just to keep their options open while they make their final decision.