You did it! Congratulations! You made your decision and said “yes” to a college offer, and that’s a big deal! I hope you’ve taken a moment to celebrate this milestone. As a financial aid advisor, I’ve seen this moment come with a mix of joy, relief, and a dozen new questions. This is completely normal, and I’m here to help you through what comes next. The truth is, committing to a college isn’t the final step. It’s just the transition into a new phase of the process. Now that you’re committed and told the college that you’re attending, the fun begins as you start preparing for your big move later this summer! Here’s what actually happens after committing and what you need to do.
From Applicant to Student
The past few months you’ve consistently been referred to as an applicant, but once you commit to a school, you are now an incoming student. This exciting change is more than just semantics, it means that things are happening behind the scenes. You’ll begin to access a student portal or see updates with the portal you’ve been using. This will continue to be your main communication hub along with your school email. Colleges will begin sending important information about housing, orientation, meal plans, tuition bills, and financial aid to your school email instead of your personal email.
Keep in mind that each school handles things a little differently, so communication may come in waves or all at once. The key is simply to keep an eye on your email and the student portal so nothing is missed. I suggest checking your portal and email weekly, and mark any deadlines you know of on a calendar. Just like when you were preparing to apply for colleges and financial aid, being proactive and organized now can save you stress later.
Review The Financial Pieces
Once you commit to a school, the financial part of the equation becomes more real and concrete. Take a close look at your financial aid award. It likely includes a mix of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Decide what to accept and complete any follow-up steps that you can now, like signing any documentation for loans. You will also be expected to complete entrance exam counseling for first-time loan borrowers before any money is disbursed. This counseling details your obligations and expectations as a loan borrower.
Colleges typically send billing statements over the summer, and that’s when you’ll see exactly how your financial aid is applied and what your remaining balance looks like. If anything about the bill feels different than expected, don’t ignore it. This is the time to ask questions and make sure everything is accurate. If you have questions, or if something doesn’t look right, your financial aid office is here for you, and so am I!
Have a Plan in Place To Pay the Balance
Even with financial aid, many students still have a remaining balance. Colleges usually offer payment plans that spread this out over the semester or year if you need additional help breaking things up over time. Be sure that you know when tuition is due as well as your payment schedule. Don’t forget to also review your scholarships or extra savings you plan to use to pay.
Remaining Details and Requirements
If you’re living on campus, watch for housing application deadlines. Registering for orientation is also key, as this is your first real step into college life and often required before registering for classes. It’s important to stay on top of deadlines and sign up dates for everything leading up to move-in, so watch your portal announcements carefully.
You will likely need to submit final documents upon graduation from high school, such as your final high school transcripts, possibly along with immunization records or placement test scores. These items can hold up your registration if not submitted on time. So, it’s important to know up front what is needed from you and when it is needed or expected by. Staying organized, as always, is crucial at each stage of this process.
Now Get Excited!
This time between commitment and move-in day is a season of preparation and transition for both students and families. You don’t need to have all the answers today. All you need to do right now is stay engaged, organized, and respond to any requests or deadlines as they come in.
Committing to a college is a major decision; one that reflects careful thought, planning, and a lot of hard work. And you did it! As you transition to this new and exciting chapter in life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your college’s staff, your financial advisor (like me), orientation leaders, professors, and support offices, and of course, your loved ones, are all cheering you on. Congratulations on all that lies ahead!
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.