If you feel rushed into making a college choice decision, be aware of the following:

“Colleges that request commitments to offers of admission and/or financial assistance prior to May 1 must clearly offer you the opportunity to request (in writing) an extension until May 1. They must grant you the extension and your request may not jeopardize your status for admission and/or financial aid.”

“Candidates admitted under Early Decision programs are a recognized exception to the May 1 deadline.”

It is important to note that May 1 is regarded as the “Candidate’s Reply Date”—the date by which admitted applicants must make their final college choices. That date was established years ago to allow students a reasonable amount of time to consider their college options and to give colleges a date by which they could begin the registration process (course selections and housing) for the coming year. If you are not an Early Decision candidate, then, you should be afforded time to process admission decisions and financial aid awards that you receive from various colleges and universities.

For assistance with the college search and selection process, contact the College Resource Center at www.crccolumbusga.com or 706-366-2993.

Yes, you do! As you apply to colleges, you have the right to certain information about them including information about how much it will cost you to attend. According to the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), a member organization that includes more than 11,000 college access professionals around the USA and beyond, you have the right to:

“Receive factual and comprehensive information from colleges and universities about their admission, financial costs, aid opportunities, practices and packaging policies, and housing policies. If you consider applying under an early admission plan, you have the right to complete information from the college about its process and policies.”

“Be free from high-pressure sales tactics.”

“Wait until May 1 to respond to an offer of (Regular) admission or financial aid.”

For assistance with the college search and selection process, contact the College Resource Center at www.crccolumbusga.com or 706-366-2993.

– Arrive early.

– Practice your introduction before you go.

– Practice your handshake. Remember eye contact is important.

– Know your goals for the next four years.

– Be able to articulate your strengths and weaknesses and how your failures or weaknesses impacted you in a positive way?

– Make sure that your email address and facebook accounts are professional.

– Be sure to turn off your phone.

– Remember to thank the interviewer and write them a thank you note!

For mock interviews or help in the college search and selection process, contact the College Resource Center at www.crccolumbusga.com or 706-366-2993.