Understanding College Decision Day

I'm trying to plan my school year and I realized I'm not exactly sure when College Decision Day is. Can anyone clarify what day it is and what happens if I don't commit to a college by then?

"College Decision Day" traditionally falls on May 1st each year. This date is a standard set by colleges across the United States so as to give high school seniors a final deadline to choose a college after admissions decisions have been released. This gives students enough time to evaluate their options, visit campuses if possible, and make an informed decision about where they want to attend.

If you don't commit to a college by May 1st, it's important to first reach out to the college to see if they will grant you an extension. However, you should note that schools are under no obligation to extend the commitment deadline, and some may already have waitlisted students ready to fill any open spots. Keep in mind, failing to commit means potentially giving up your admission spot, and the spot may be given to another student.

However, if you have been accepted to institutions with rolling admissions, these schools may have specific deadlines and might not strictly adhere to the May 1st guidance. It's always wise to check directly with your individual colleges about their specific deadlines.

Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out by May 1st. College is a big decision and it's important to make the best choice for your personal and academic goals. But keeping track of key dates like College Decision Day is essential to staying organized during the process.