After receiving acceptance letters, students have several next steps to complete. They must choose which school to attend by considering factors like campus size, location, financial aid packages, and dorms. It's important to review options with parents, meet application deadlines, ask any lingering questions, complete financial aid forms, plan visits to top choices, notify schools of the decision, submit transcripts and deposits, and finish out the school year strong in order to graduate. Students who are waitlisted should respond and decide whether to remain on the list or commit to another accepting school.

1. You Got Accepted — Now What?
Next steps after you get the acceptance letter!

2. After all your hard work, test taking, and sending off
applications, you got those letters you (and your parents)
have been waiting for.
But what happens next?
Congratulations! You’re Accepted!

3. You’ve got OPTIONS
Chances are, you have more than one school to choose
from. They all have unique benefits for you to consider, but
which one will you choose?
Decide which factors are most important to you.
Campus size?
Location?
Best Financial Aid package?
Best Dorms?
It’s all up to YOU!

4. You’ve got OPTIONS
• You may want to review your acceptance
information with parents and guardians.
Especially if they’ll be helping you finance your
education!
• Most schools need to hear back from you sooner
rather than later, so be sure to keep those
deadlines in mind.
• Remember, this could be the place where you
spend the next four years of your life. So choose
wisely!

5. Get Your Questions Answered

6. If you have any lingering questions about potential
schools, this is the perfect time to ask them.
Here are some questions you may have:
“Do you match scholarships?”
“Am I eligible for work study?”
“Are the dorms co-ed or single gender?”

7. Get Your Money Right
• Be sure to fill out your Free
Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) at fasfsa.ed.gov
• Apply for the DC Tuition
Assistance Grant (DCTAG) at
dconeapp.dc.gov
• Apply for District of Columbia
College Access Program’s Last
Dollar Award at dccap.org
If you or your parents need to make an
appointment with Ms. Shaw, contact her at
tiffany.shaw@dccap.org

8. Plan a Visit
Getting a feel for the
campus may help you
make your ultimate
decision, so try making
time to visit some of the
colleges you’re
interested in.
Some universities have
overnight tours as well,
where you can sleep in
a dorm and eat in the
cafeteria.

9. Make Your Choice!
• Once you’ve made a decision about which school you’ll
attend, notify ALL schools of your decision.
• First, read your acceptance letter THOUROGHLY. Some
acceptance letters include key information about next
steps to solidify your enrollment at the institution, so pay
close attention!
• If there are additional tasks, be sure to complete them as
soon as possible.

10. Gettin’ to the Paper(work)
Your college of choice will need your
high school transcript. They may also
require a deposit in order to hold your
spot.
There may be forms about financial aid,
housing and meal plans, and freshman
orientation. They all need your attention,
so fill out and return these ASAP to
ensure you have the most options.

11. If You’re Waitlisted…
Respond and let the college know whether or not you want
to stay on the waiting list. It only makes sense to keep your
spot on the list if you’re really interested in going to the
college.
Before you decide, find out whether there are any
conditions attached to being wait-listed. For example, since
you’re notified later than other applicants, you may have
fewer housing and financial aid options.
© 2016 The College Board

12. If You’re Waitlisted…
Even if you decide to remain on the waiting list, prepare to
attend another college. Choose the best fit from the
colleges that accepted you, fill out the paperwork and send
a deposit. You’ll forfeit this deposit if the college that wait-
listed you offers you a place and you accept. Still, you need
to be sure you have a place in an incoming freshman class
next fall.
© 2016 The College Board

13. FIGHT SENIORITS!
Don’t forget to… Graduate!

14. Stay Focused and Keep Your Grades
Up!
Getting into college doesn’t mean you get to slack off
class. You need to keep your GPA looking good until
your final transcript is submitted. The work doesn’t
stop until you get your high school diploma!

15. And remember…… You can do it!

16. Wanna Know More?
To get the REAL deal, attend a What’s Good
Wednesdays Workshop!
Hosted by Ms. Curtis
When: Wednesdays during 2nd Lunch
Where: The Legendary Center
Check Naviance for more details!