How do you know if you got into a college?

I've applied to a bunch of colleges and I'm waiting to hear back. How do colleges usually notify you if you’ve been accepted? Is there an official way they communicate this?

Colleges most commonly notify students of their admissions decisions through an online portal specific to that college. After submitting your application, the college likely sent you an email with instructions on how to create an account for their portal. This is where you'll be able to track and often first learn of your admissions decision according to the college's notification timeline.

The method of notification can range from a short status update to a more personalized message or letter, and may even be followed by an official acceptance package sent in the mail, which could include a physical acceptance letter, additional information about the college, and sometimes college-branded swag or stickers.

In some cases, colleges may also send out email notifications directing you to check your portal for an update. It's always a good idea to check your spam filters and make sure emails from the colleges you applied to are not being routed away from your primary inbox, just in case.

So, to summarize: be sure to regularly check both your assigned online portal for any college to which you've applied, as well as the email account you provided on your application. That way, you won't miss these important updates. Good luck!