Awaiting your acceptance to college? Got admitted into more than one? Which one do you choose from? In this article, we will be discussing whether you can accept admission to multiple colleges.
Being accepted into one college is already a big deal, more than one, and clearly, you are on the right path. Having multiple colleges want you to join them can be thrilling and quite flattering.
Nevertheless, now the decision has fallen into your hands. Which to choose from? At the end of the day, you can’t pick both! It can sure be stressful, but a choice must be made.
Your choice can come down to various things, including location, cost, programs, and so much more. Research, in this case, is a must-have to learn all you can before deciding on a specific college.
Before we get into the various ways that you can decide between your options, let’s talk about why it is unethical to accept admission to multiple colleges.
Unethical Double Deposits
When you double deposit, you give money to more than one college to reserve your spot and confirm admission. Though this can seem harmless and innocent, it can actually have a large impact.
There are various reasons applicants do this, one of which is to buy themselves time to decide between the two colleges. Once they have made their choice, they can drop out of the one they no longer wish to attend.
Deadlines for such decisions are usually around May, but by depositing, students will have until the fall to decide if they genuinely want to go. But there are other reasons this occurs.
For instance, if the applicant was waitlisted at their chosen college, they might place a deposit on their second choice to ensure that they still have somewhere to attend if they are rejected.
They might also double deposit to continue negotiating offers for scholarships and financial aid even after the deadline for decisions in May.
Why Is It Unethical?
All of the above is unethical behavior. Though it might benefit the student somehow, you have to look at the bigger picture. It hurts the college you refuse to pick as well as other applicants, apart from the fact that it makes you look bad.
First of all, colleges must have an idea of how many people will be joining their incoming graduating class. If double depositing happens with various students, the college can end up waitlisting more individuals or increasing the cost of their deposit.
These actions will hurt future applicants. But your actions can hurt the ones applying alongside you too! Another applicant may be denied admission or placed on a waiting list because you received a spot and then failed to claim it.
How To Choose Between Multiple Colleges
It might be tempting to accept admission to multiple colleges. However, it is better for you and everyone involved if you simply compare and contrast your admission and make an honest decision.
Some factors must be seriously considered and taken into account. Below we will go through some of them and how to choose correctly.
Location
Commuting is an option for various students; however, if you plan to move farther from home, you might have to get a dorm or an apartment off campus. Remember that this might cost you extra, and usually, boarding is not something scholarships cover.
If you choose to commute, consider how much you will have to drive and the amount of gas it will consume. You will also need to have a car, obviously, and a parking permit to commute to college.
Furthermore, if possible, you should take the time to visit the campus and get a feel for the atmosphere. Not every college is for everyone, and you might feel more at home in one versus the other. This also gives you an opportunity to scope out the dorms if you plan to live in one.
You might choose to study abroad as well. Programs might place you with a host family or in dormitories with fellow students. It will depend from college to college. Research these programs in advance if you will choose to apply to any.
In fact, you might be curious to know whether colleges like exchange students. Find out in my article!
Programs and Majors
Speaking of programs, they can also weigh into your decision heavily. What does each college offer? And which programs appeal to and benefit you more?
This can include studying abroad, work-study jobs, and certificates you can earn. Furthermore, not every college caters to all the majors out there. You might have to choose based on what you want to study.
Take the time to research the graduating rate, and learn a bit about the majors available. If you are lucky enough to meet and talk to an Alumni about the major you plan to choose, it can put you on the right track.
Cost
Money is a huge factor when it comes to college because, as you must know, it is not cheap. But there are a ton of scholarships and financial aid out there that you can apply for or earn.
Scholarships are given to athletes and top students, so you can get a full ride if you work hard enough to earn it. Keep in mind that earning a scholarship does not mean it can’t be taken away from you.
In fact, if you slack off, you might be placed on academic probation. Or, as an athlete, you get injured, and you might not be able to receive your scholarship money. Thus, you will have to pay out of pocket instead.
You should find out how much you would need to spend out of pocket for each college and compare them against each other. Though you should not choose solely based on money, it can be a significant factor in your decision.
If your last choices are expensive, you can already drop them from the running and pick better and least expensive options that work for you. Remember that the point is to choose a college that makes you the happiest and most comfortable while targeting what you wish to learn.
Your Final Decision
Even if you got waitlisted, do not double deposit in other colleges. Instead, use the factors discussed above to choose what college you wish to attend.
Be aware that being waitlisted does not mean you are rejected, but it does not mean you are admitted, either. So you should not count on attending that school and make your decision based on the ones that have accepted you instead.
Avoid waiting to be accepted by colleges that placed you on the waitlist. If you wait too long and receive a rejection, you will miss out on the fall term and have to wait to start in the spring instead.
After You Decide
Once you are done choosing between all the various colleges you have been admitted to, accept your admission to your chosen college. Then you must let all the other colleges know you will not be attending.
Do not accept admission to multiple colleges. Only say yes to one. Most colleges require a deposit to allow you to confirm your admission, so pay before the deadline to avoid issues.
Typically, the college of your choice will update you on the following steps. This usually includes some orientation to show you around, teach you the ropes and help you pick your classes.
You will also be prompted to do some tasks such as sending vaccination records, placement testing, and picking housing and roommates, if applicable.
Final Thoughts
Now go enjoy and celebrate your admission to multiple colleges! Getting into just one is a considerable achievement; more than one is impressive. Continue to maintain and work towards your grades and avoid slacking off.
If you are still in high school, it is the perfect time to check with counselors if you have all the necessary credits and are set for graduation.
Lastly, don’t forget to thank all your supporters, such as teachers, employers, and counselors, for helping you reach your goals and writing your recommendation letters. Don’t forget your parents/guardians as well for being by your side. Good luck on your college journey!
