Moving forward with your college decision...

It's after May 1st. Have you made your final college decision yet? I know the pressure's on and it's a very big, important decision to make, but bare with the colleges that continue to contact you about this.

Over the course of this academic year, high school seniors have considered, applied to and visited many colleges/universities. During the college admission process students invested a lot of interest, energy and thought in their college selection; while colleges have also invested a lot of interest in each student (some maybe more than others).

Everyone is aware that May 1st brings both cancels and deposits. While every Admission Counselor enjoys hearing that Susie, a student that they've worked with since she was a Junior, has made her final decision to attend their university, it's also hard to "lose" those students. To some of you, that admissions person on the other end of the phone or signature at the end of letters is just some stranger in the pile of college brochures and paperwork spread out on your family's kitchen table, but please know that a sincere interest has been taken in you.

I always advise my students to keep me posted on their college plans - whether it's to attend Valpo or not. It's important and courteous for students to inform all of the colleges they've applied to, to inform them of their final college decision. Many schools will ask the difficult and sometimes awkward question of WHY you've chosen to attend _______ University. Please know that we are not asking that question to make you feel uncomfortable or to try to change your mind...we are simply asking that to make improvements for future students and for our university.

My advice to you as you make this big decision...inform all colleges you've considered of your college plans, tell them WHY you've chosen _________ University and thank them for all their help. This will allow everyone to move forward.

I wish all seniors the best of luck!