Student Life

College decision guide: from the application process to decision day

By: Camilla Moran, Editor • April 16, 2026

More than 75% of college freshmen are accepted into their first-choice school, and over 19 million students are enrolled in U.S. colleges.

As the class of 2026 receives their college acceptance letters, the stress of picking the perfect college increases. For some, it’s a simple answer. For others, it’s the toughest decision of their life.

The college decision guide

The application process

Students often begin applying to colleges the summer before their senior year. The application process is intimidating to many, especially because there are multiple steps to apply to each school. The typical college application requires an essay, an application, a teacher and counselor recommendation and a transcript.

According to Common App, there was a 6% increase and a 9% increase in applications submitted during the 2024-2025 application season.

"I found the process to be a bit long because I would have to insert a lot of information across multiple sections while also getting transcripts and recommendations." said Kellie Hastrup, a senior at Colonia High school.

Before applying, students must know that there are three different types of applications: early decision, early action and regular decision. Early decision is a binding application, meaning that if the student gets into the school, they must go there. While early action is a non-binding early deadline application and regular decision is the standard, non-binding application.

The deadlines for these colleges depends on the university, but the deadline for early decision is typically in November, with the deadline for early action in Nov or Dec. While the deadline for regular decision is usually Jan 1.

Acceptance letters

No matter whether the letter comes in the mail or in an email, college acceptances are a big moment for high school seniors. In 2022, the average admission rate for 4 year non-profit colleges in the United States was approximately 73% for first year students. The rate of accepted students for public colleges was 78%, as reported by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

"My first initial reaction when I got my first acceptance letter was that I was super shocked and excited." Said Alexa Beck, a senior at Colonia High school

Even though students may feel excited, receiving their letter can also bring a mix of emotions. With the feeling of joy, students may also feel stress over picking the right college, especially when there are various offers.

Moving forward from waitlists and rejections

Not every decision letter starts with the words, "Congratulations on your acceptance." Some letters are to notify the student that they got waitlisted and others are to notify the students of a rejection. Although no student wants to receive a waitlist or rejection letter, students must realize it's an important part of the process.

While being waitlisted can be disappointing, it doesn't mean rejection. Instead, this means that the school might accept the student at a later date.

Rejections can also be difficult. These decisions are often due to factors that the student had no control over. There are many ways that a student can move on. Some ways a student can go forward are: to not take it personally, get perspective from others and to realize that other colleges have said yes, rather than harping on the rejection.

Weighing financial aid packages

The first step one should complete after they apply is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 5 million students filled out Fasfa for the 2026-2027 school year.

There are multiple steps to FASFA, that both the student and their parents have to fill out. This process has seven steps and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The seven steps are: make a FASFA account, start a new form, enter personal info, List the colleges the student has applied to, answer questions that relate to parent info, put tax data and electronically sign and submit the form. It takes approximately one to three days for the form to process.

Once the student is accepted to their college and their FASFA information is processed in the university's system, the student should receive their financial aid package within a few months.

After receiving their packages from each college, the student and their family should look over and discuss the offers from each school. It is critical to look at other factors, like grants and the overall cost of tuition. Taking the time can help students make decisions about which school fits their academic and financial needs.

Acedemics

When choosing a university, students should also look at the acedemics for their major at the schools they've been accepted to.

Some colleges are known for a specific major or research. It is critical to look at whether or not the university's acedemics match up with the student's long-term goals.

Campus culture

While seniors apply during senior year, it is critical for students to start visit schools during their junior year. Also, talking to current students and researching campus life can help students feel supported. Looking at factors like class sizes, extracirriculars diversity and campus traditions.

Perspectives of family and educational professionals

According to an article from Encoura, there was a study done by Eduventures Admitted Student Research that shows at least 86% of high school seniors had at least one person who was influential in their college decision.

When students start their college decision process, the perspctive from others can greatly influence a student's decision. Parents often give help in the decision with telling lived experiences. These experiences can vary, from location to academics.

School staff like teachers and councelors can also be a big help when deciding. School counselors can help giving information on financial aid packages and academics. Teachers may also give their own opinion and experience stories to help guide students.

"My father had lost hist job, so I had to be tuition conscious when making my decission on which college to attend." Said Danielle Allen, a teacher a Coonia High School

Whether or not the student chooses a college because of oher's perspectictives or own preferences, it is ultimately the student's decision.

Making the final decision

After years of researching colleges, months of applying and weighing their options, students come down to their final decision. Many students feel a sense of excitement about their future.

"I really wanted to go to Ramapo College of New Jersey. I was pretty dedicated to that school. But when I went to tour, the college too small, so I ended up attending Kean University" said Allen.

Students must pay their deposit by May 1, the national deadline day. After giving their deposit and finalizing any paperwork, students can look to their next chapter.

All in all, students should trust themselves when making their decision and choose a school that aligns with their goals. Students should remember that their is no "perfect" choice. Everyone has their own path, and that's ok.

All in all, students should trust themselves when making their decision and choose a school that aligns with their goals. Students should remember that their is no “perfect” choice and that everyone has their own path when attending college.

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About the Contributor

Camilla Moran, Editor

Camilla Moran is a 17-year-old senior who attends Colonia High School. She is involved in several clubs, including Mini-thon, CHS Interact club, and CHS Declaration. Outside of school, she can be found watching Broadway musicals on film, writing, or baking. Moran also competes in adaptive sports for Children’s Specialized Hospital Lightning Wheels. The adaptive sports she competes in are Archery and Track and Field. She describes herself as kind, caring, and hardworking. After graduating, she aspires to become an elementary school teacher. She would also like to advocate for people with disabilities to improve their lives and help them achieve their dreams. A quote she lives by is “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”

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College decision guide: from the application process to decision day

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