Alright, so, if I get this right, colleges send out acceptance letters, right? But when do I have to make the decision by? Is there a general timeline or does it vary by college?
Yes, colleges do send out acceptance letters, both in the traditional mail and via email or online portals. Generally, you have until May 1 to make your decision and commit to a college. This is often referred to as National College Decision Day.
However, there can be some exceptions depending on the type of admission. For instance, if you are accepted Early Decision (ED), you often need to commit within a few weeks because ED is binding. Similarly, if you're waitlisted and later accepted, the college might give you a shorter deadline due to the time-sensitive nature of waitlist acceptances.
If you're applying internationally or to certain specialty programs (like performing arts), timelines may also vary. Always check the specific guidelines provided by each college for the most accurate information. But, as a rule of thumb, May 1 is the typical response date for Regular Decision applicants.
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