Financing college is an out growth of a parent's moral obligation to educate their children. The objectives are to provide better social and economic opportunities for their offspring than they had in spite of the current tight economy and shrinking public funds. They may approach this moral dilemma without full understanding of the magnitude of this problem.

You peer into your mailbox. You hesitate, then muster up the courage to open the letter and behold! It begins with a hearty "Congratulations!" Take a deep breath--you're in! But don't stop there--read on. There's important information in that letter. You may have some decisions to make and deadlines to meet.

Maybe the letter tells you to expect your award letter shortly. Maybe it asks you to choose a campus meal plan. Perhaps it advises you to reserve a room in a residence hall or prompts you to think about what qualities you'd like in a roommate.

Read the letter closely. Ask questions. Talk things over with your 
parents or guidance counselor. Consult the school's Web site. If the letter directs you to respond on anything from financial aid to roommate selection, note exactly when your reply is expected.

If you've been put on the waiting list at your first-choice school, it can't hurt to let the admissions officer know you're still very interested. Send a letter restating your request to attend and include any recent achievements or high grades, but don't inundate them with mail or phone calls.

Because waiting lists are not guarantees of acceptance, you should consider accepting admission to your second choice school. You'll want to be sure you're enrolled somewhere for the fall semester so mail in your deposit by the deadline to be safe. However, understand that your money may not be refunded if you are later accepted at your first choice school and decide to go there.

If you are admitted to your first choice, immediately inform other schools to which you've been accepted that you won't be attending. The spot you vacate could move another future freshman from the waiting list to admission.

If you are accepted, you'll have to sign a "binding agreement" stating you will attend that school. If you also applied to other schools, you may be required to withdraw those applications.

If you are not accepted under early decision, you may still be considered a candidate for regular admission. It depends on the school's policy. Contact the admissions office to find out what, if anything, you need to do.

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Revised: 06/01/2007