Your College Decision Is Just the Beginning: Key Steps to Take Now

You just got your college decision! It’s time to sit back and relax after spending so much time on applications, right? While it might feel like a relief, it’s actually just the beginning of the next phase. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about what comes next.

What does my college decision mean? 

Often, applicants receive an email when their application status has been updated. There are four things the application decision may say: accepted, rejected, deferred/postponed, and waitlisted. 

You’ve been accepted! Congratulations! However, this does not mean that you are done. Colleges may have forms for you to fill out to secure your spot. UMD, for example, has an Honors College and Scholars Program preference form that needs to be filled out to guarantee a spot in their prestigious programs. Additionally, new responsibilities like finding roommates and looking for scholarships will take up a lot of your time. 

If you’ve been rejected, it’s completely understandable to feel upset. Remember, rejection is just redirection! There are plenty of colleges out there, and one “no” doesn’t define your future. The Class of 2025 saw an incredibly competitive admissions cycle, so take a deep breath and remember: this is just one step in your journey.

You’ve been deferred. Deferrals are when the college has not accepted you but also hasn’t rejected you. Even though it can be upsetting that you weren’t accepted, it is always better than being flat-out rejected. Be sure to read the entire deferral letter to see if you should write a Letter of Continued Interest. If they allow you to send them additional letters and recommendations, it is highly recommended that you do it. But, if they specify not to send more information, respect that, as they will not review anything you send unsolicited.

Should I tour the college? 

Yes! I 100% recommend touring any college that you are interested in. You will spend the next four years at the college you choose, so making sure you like the atmosphere is a necessity. When you visit the college, be sure to sign up for an official tour and talk to students on campus about their experience at the college. If you’ve already been accepted, many colleges offer in-person admitted students events, so be sure to take advantage of those. Even if you can’t go in person, many colleges offer virtual tours and events for admitted students, so you can get a feel for the atmosphere from afar. 

When should I start applying for scholarships? 

Start applying for scholarships now! This is prime scholarship time, as many of the deadlines are in March and April. Many scholarships are listed on the MCPS website, so be sure to take a look at those. Some scholarships are university-specific, so look into scholarships for the colleges you’ve applied to. Additionally, if you don’t know where to start looking for scholarships, visit Mr. Marshall at the College and Career Center here at Blake for more information. Mr. Marshall recommends that you “go to the College and Career Center website” to find a “full list of scholarships organized by the month they’re due.” 

Remember, scholarships aren’t just about easing tuition, they’re also great opportunities for additional resources, networking, and sometimes even internships! So, get those applications in early.

Do second-semester grades matter? 

YES! Even though some colleges may not necessarily see second-semester grades before they give you their decision, most colleges will ask students to provide final grades at the end of the school year to ensure you’ve stayed on track. Schools can revoke offers of admission for reasons like a significant drop in high school grades, so it is important to stay motivated and keep them up. You’ve made it this far – don’t let go of that momentum!

Best of luck to all Blake seniors in the rest of the process. Be sure to DM @wherethebengalsgo2025 on Instagram to let us know where you’re going next year!