What’s Next? 19 Essential Post-Application Actions for College-Bound Students

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Congratulations on hitting Submit on some (or all) of your college applications! While you may feel a sense of relief, there's still work to be done.

Luckily, most of this should be much easier for you!

Here are 20 important things you should consider doing after submitting your college applications:

1. 1. Celebrate Your Achievement: Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for completing the often-challenging college application process. You’ve been working hard for this moment for three years — or longer — and submitting at least the first of your college applications is an event worth celebrating!
   2. Then Get Back to It: You may have another set of deadlines coming up. Don’t ease up now! Take some time to review your application and essay to make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to.
   3. Confirm Application Receipt: Make sure each college received your application. They typically send an email confirmation, but you might also get a notification about being granted access to your applicant portal, and you can check there.
   4. Monitor Your Email (and Junk Folder): Colleges may reach out with updates, missing document notifications, interview requests, or additional requirements via email. You might even get notified by email that you have to manually accept a scholarship. Keep an eye on your email so you don’t miss these important communications.
   5. Keep Track of Deadlines: Maintain a list of application-related deadlines, including financial aid applications and scholarship opportunities. Some schools require you to submit supplemental materials (like resumes or letters of recommendation) outside of the Common App, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to submit a complete application.
   6. Complete Financial Aid Forms: If you're applying for financial aid, complete the FAFSA (when it opens) and any other required forms by the school-established deadline.
   7. Keep Searching for Scholarships: You may be able to reuse some of your application essays to apply for scholarships. (That’s what I call a win-win.) Many organizations offer scholarships for which you may already be eligible. Check out this page for some great scholarship sites. And check out Monica Matthews’ invaluable guide on “How to Win College Scholarships” for tips on submitting winning scholarship applications.
      
   8. Set Up Your Student Portals: As soon as you get access to your applicant portals from each college, set them up. These are essential for tracking your application status and receiving admission decisions. And they’re also a great way to see if you’re missing any parts of your application.
   9. Thank Your Recommenders: Send a heartfelt thank-you note to your teachers or mentors who wrote your letters of recommendation. It's a small gesture but a meaningful one.
   10. Keep Visiting Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you applied to — even if you’ve already been there, and especially if you haven’t. It's a great way to get a feel for the environment and community.
   11. Prep for Interviews: If some of your colleges require interviews as part of the admission process, start preparing by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses.
   12. Plan Your Finances: Start thinking about how you'll handle your finances in college and pay for unexpected expenses. Create a budget and consider opening a bank account if you don't have one already.
   13. Thank Your Support System: Show appreciation to your family, friends, and anyone else who supported you throughout the application process. It’s been a long, stressful process for all of you, and some words of gratitude go a long way.
   14. Stay Informed: Keep up with college news, updates, and any policy changes that might affect your admission, financial aid, or desire to attend the school.
   15. Continue Your Grades: Although it might be tempting to slack off a little once applications go in, don’t give in to senior slide! Maintain strong academic performance during the rest of your senior year. Your final transcript still matters to colleges.
   16. Research Major and Minor Options: If you've been unsure about your major or minor, now is a good time to research and consider your options. OnetOnline.org is a great resource. But remember: plenty of students don’t figure out what they want to study until they’ve gone to college and had a chance to explore their interests. And that’s OK!
   17. Network: Connect with current students or alumni of the colleges you applied to and think you want to attend. They can provide valuable insights and advice.
   18. Plan for Rejection: While staying optimistic is important, be prepared for the possibility of rejection or of being deferred. Consider your alternatives and have a backup plan. Some schools will allow deferred students to write letters of continued interest to reaffirm their commitment to a school. If a school that deferred you offers that as an option, take advantage of it!
   19. Enjoy Your Senior Year: Lastly, don't forget to enjoy your senior year! Spend quality time with friends and family and make lasting memories.

   After submitting your college applications, there's still much to do. Staying organized, prepared, and proactive will help you navigate this transitional period successfully. Remember, no matter where you end up, your college journey will be a valuable and transformative experience. And if you’re still struggling with some of your admission essays, you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out and learn how an essay coach might help take some of the stress out of writing your essays.