Decision Day Is Almost Here! 5 Tips to Help You Choose Your College Home

Written By Jewel Walwyn

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

May 1—National College Decision Day—is just around the corner! Choosing your college home is a big decision, and it deserves thoughtful reflection. If you’re still deciding where to spend the next four years, you’re not alone.

Here are five tips to help you move from “I’m not sure yet” to “This is it—I’m all in!”

🎓Revisit Your Priorities
Take a step back and think about what mattered to you when you first built your college list. Was it small class sizes? A dynamic city campus? A strong program in your intended major? A supportive community? Now that your acceptances are in, see which schools still check the boxes that matter most to you now. Your priorities might have shifted—and that’s okay.

🎓Get A Sense of the Vibe
Colleges are hosting admitted student events—virtual and in-person—so take advantage of them. Attend a class, talk to current students, or even spend a night on campus if the opportunity is available. Listen to your gut. Sometimes it’s not about the rankings or the numbers—it’s about where you feel most comfortable and inspired.

🎓Compare Financial Aid Offers Thoughtfully
Financial fit is real. Sit down with your family and look at the full picture—not just scholarships or grants, but also work-study, loans, and out-of-pocket expenses. A slightly higher price tag might be worth it for a better academic or social fit, but make sure the value feels right for you.

🎓Think Beyond the First Year
It’s easy to focus on dorms, dining halls, and freshman orientation—but what about sophomore year and beyond? Ask about internship support, alumni networks, study abroad options, and career services. Imagine yourself not just arriving on campus, but thriving and growing over four years.

🎓Trust Yourself
You’ve done the research. You’ve asked the questions. You’ve put in the work. Now it’s time to make a choice—and trust that you’re ready. There’s no perfect school, but there is a right-for-you school. Decision Day is about choosing what’s best for you.

Jewel Walwyn