Now that we’re into the spring semester, for the most part applications are done, midyear grades have been sent to colleges and students are expecting final decisions by the end of the month. In the meantime, there’s important work to do. Be sure to monitor each college’s portal to confirm that midyear reports have been received and processed, including for colleges where you’ve been admitted, and keep your grades strong so your final report doesn’t raise any red flags.

As students receive admission offers, colleges are now hoping you’ll enroll and may invite you to admitted student events. I encourage you to attend these programs if possible. Visiting campus, talking with current students, and learning more about academic and social life can help you clarify your preferences before the May 1 decision deadline.

Along with decision letters, financial aid awards are coming in, and this will be a factor for many students in their final choice. If you haven’t completed your financial aid forms yet, do so as soon as possible and confirm that each school has received them. And if you haven’t yet had a family conversation about affordability, now is the time to make sure everyone is on the same page about who will be contributing and at what level. Students in Washington, DC should also complete the DC TAG application, which is now open—and for next year the maximum award has been increased from $10,000 to $15,000 a year for public universities. (There’s also a 5o% increase in the award cap for private HBCUs and colleges located in DC.)  You’ll have to submit both the FAFSA and your 2025 tax information to OSSE, so parents should prioritize getting those 2025 returns filed on time!

Finally, keep an open mind. Additional visits and financial aid offers can change your perspective, and you may end up with a different ranking of your choices than you had at the start of this process. If you built your college list thoughtfully, every school you applied to is a place where you can succeed and thrive.