11 Jan Road Map for January: Seniors

Congratulations to all of you who have been submitting applications and even receiving some exciting decisions! For those still waiting or managing the complexities of the college process, know that you’re not alone—and there are ways to stay proactive and optimistic.

For early admits, celebrate your achievements but stay on top of remaining tasks. If you’ve been accepted under a binding Early Decision plan, confirm that your financial aid package meets your needs, then withdraw any other applications you’ve submitted. Some colleges have an easy mechanism in their portal to do this, but for others you’ll have to email the admissions office for guidance. For Early Action admits, you have until May 1 to decide, so take time to evaluate your options. Continue to maintain strong grades, since your admission is contingent on completing the year successfully.

If you’ve been deferred, take heart—it’s not the end of the road. Reflect on your accomplishments since submitting your application, and consider sharing updates with admissions, such as recent awards or leadership roles. If a school remains your top choice, let them know. Clear communication of your interest can make a difference. Your school counselor will send a midyear report with your current grades, but you might also consider submitting an additional recommendation.

For students finishing Regular Decision applications, continue to check each college’s portal to ensure your documents (transcripts, recommendations, and financial aid forms) have been received and processed, and follow up if anything seems to be missing. Beyond that, keep the focus on academics; decisions may hinge on continued success in your classes.

Finally, if you’re considering a gap year, now is the perfect time to explore opportunities. Virtual and in-person gap year fairs can introduce you to exciting programs tailored to your interests.

You’ve worked hard to reach this point, and while the next steps may bring some uncertainty, they also bring promise. Keep moving forward—you’ve got this!