Do not commit early

Overview

Do not commit until you've compared ALL financial aid packages AND understand true cost at each. Strategic patience through April pays off.

Why Wait

• Preliminary packages can change significantly
• Merit scholarship competitions finalize in April
• Comparing offers enables meaningful appeals
• You have until May 1

Decision Framework

For each admitted school:

1. Cost: 4-year out-of-pocket, family impact, loan burden
2. Academic Fit: Major strength, faculty, programs
3. Personal Fit: Culture, size, location
4. Career Outcomes: Placement, alumni, graduate school
5. Non-Academic: Distance, climate, health

Similar-Cost Options

Choose based on fit, career outcomes, where you'll thrive.

Different-Cost Options

Ask: Worth the extra debt? Affordable without burden? Career differentiation?

When to Appeal

File if:

• Competing peer-school offer with better aid
• Family financial situation changed
• Special circumstances not captured
• Calculation error

File appeals in early April after competing offers.

Mental Framework

"Enrollment deposit" isn't the commitment - submission + withdrawal from others is. Take your time.

Family Conversations

• Review all packages together
• Discuss long-term impact
• Consider family values
• Decide together (student decides with family input)

Pressure Warning Signs

• School suggests deciding before May 1
• Artificial urgency on financial offers
• Admissions pushing decisions

Take your time.

When to Act Before May 1

Only if:

• Compared all offers
• Certain of your choice
• School has no rush on housing/orientation

Otherwise, wait.