National College Decision Day

Overview

May 1 is National College Decision Day. By this date, you must submit an enrollment deposit to ONE school and withdraw your applications from all others. This is the final commitment.

What Happens on May 1

• Submit Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) at one school
• Pay enrollment deposit (typically $200-$600, non-refundable)
• Withdraw from all other admitting schools
• Accept the financial aid package offered

Preparing for May 1

Complete these in April before the deadline:

1. Finalize Your Decision

• Compare all offers
• Visit admitted student events
• Discuss with family
• Trust your instincts

2. Confirm Financial Aid Acceptance

• Accept all gift aid
• Decide on loan acceptance (accept only what's needed)
• Confirm any work-study acceptance

3. Submit Enrollment Deposit

• Use the school's applicant portal
• Payment methods vary (credit card, check, wire transfer)
• Save confirmation email

4. Withdraw from Other Schools

• Log in to each other school's portal
• Submit withdrawal via form or email
• Confirm withdrawal with admissions office
• Release your name from waitlists if you don't want to stay on

Actions Checklist

• [ ] Enrollment deposit submitted
• [ ] Housing application submitted (usually due same time or shortly after)
• [ ] Declaration of major (if required)
• [ ] Roommate preference form
• [ ] Meal plan selection
• [ ] Health forms initiated
• [ ] Withdrawal notifications to other schools
• [ ] Scholarship deposits confirmed

After Committing

• Cannot renege except in extreme circumstances
• Your name goes on the class roster
• College begins processing your enrollment
• You have accepted the offered financial aid

Late-Breaking Situations

Waitlist Admit After May 1

If pulled from waitlist after committing elsewhere:

• Decide within 24-48 hours
• Withdraw deposit from original school (forfeit $200-$600)
• Submit deposit to waitlist school
• Housing and orientation may be limited

Last-Minute Change of Heart

• Very difficult after May 1
• Generally requires school's permission
• May result in delayed or denied enrollment

Illness or Family Emergency

• Contact financial aid and admissions
• Deferred enrollment may be possible (1 year)
• Financial aid re-awarded for next year

Common Mistakes

• Waiting until April 30 to decide (rushed)
• Not withdrawing from other schools (awkward for admissions)
• Missing the deadline entirely (rare, but forfeits spot)
• Confusing SIR deadline with other deadlines

For Gap Year Students

If taking a gap year:

• Submit deposit now
• Notify school of deferred enrollment
• Complete any gap year paperwork
• Plan to enroll the following August

Mental Health

May 1 is emotional:

• Relief of decision made
• Anxiety about major life change
• Sadness about paths not taken
• Excitement for future

All normal. Process with friends and family.

Celebrate!

You chose a school where you'll spend 4 years. Mark the occasion.

Final Steps Before Graduation

• Submit final transcript after graduation (June)
• Confirm financial aid is processed
• Complete health forms
• Apply for housing
• Register for orientation

May 1 Statistics

• ~95% of students commit by May 1
• Late commits are possible but difficult
• Schools know national decision day; planning is built around this

Parent Support

• Celebrate the decision
• Be present for emotional processing
• Help with logistics
• Respect the student's choice