What is College Decision Day? A guide to your big moment

5 key takeaways about College Decision Day

• College Decision Day is May 1 for most colleges in the U.S.
• You must commit to ONE school—"double-depositing" can lead to revoked offers.
• Missing the deadline can affect your admission, but it’s not always the end.
• There’s still a lot to do after May 1—like find scholarships and housing.
• Tools like Scholly Scholarships and Scout College Search can help you save money and explore more schools if you're still deciding.

What should I know about College Decision Day?

College Decision Day might just be one of the biggest moments of your senior year—and honestly, your life so far. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and kind of a whirlwind. But don’t stress. You’re not alone, and you’ve got time to make the decision that’s right for you.

Let’s walk through what College Decision Day actually is, why it matters, and how to handle it like a total pro (with some smart shortcuts along the way).

What is College Decision Day, anyway?

Let’s start with the basics: College Decision Day is the deadline for high school seniors to choose and commit to a college. Think of it as the college version of “pick your player.” It’s typically May 1 every year, which gives you time after receiving acceptance letters to weigh your options.

Once you’ve decided, you’ll submit a deposit to the school you’re committing to. That deposit secures your spot in the freshman class.

When is College Decision Day?

Short answer: May 1 is the traditional College Decision Day in the U.S. But some colleges may have different dates, especially if they operate on rolling admissions or extended deadlines (which became more common during the pandemic).

Always check the admissions portal of each college you’re considering. If you’re not sure, reach out—colleges want you to be informed and prepared.

How to prep for College Decision Day like a pro

Think of this as your pre-game checklist. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready when the deadline hits:

1. Compare offers: Look at financial aid offers, location, campus vibe, and majors.
2. Talk it out: Chat with family, trusted teachers, or friends who’ve been through it.
3. Visit (or revisit): If possible, go to admitted student days or virtual tours.
4. List your must-haves: Know what you want in a school, like academic programs, diversity, activities, support services, etc.
5. Look for financial resources: Use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find free money to help you afford college expenses.

How to compare financial aid offers

Financial aid offers aren’t one-size-fits-all. And they definitely aren’t always easy to read.  Here’s how to break it down:

1. Separate grants/scholarships from loans: Grants and scholarships = free money. Loans = money you have to pay back, usually with interest. Highlight those separately to see what’s actually “free.”
   
   
2. Look at total cost of attendance: Not just tuition. Include housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. A school with a lower tuition but higher housing could end up costing more overall.
   
   
3. Compare your net cost: That’s the full cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships. This number shows what you’d actually need to pay out-of-pocket (or cover with loans).
   
   
4. Check the work-study amount: This is money you can earn through campus jobs that may be part of your financial aid offer—but it’s not guaranteed until you find a job. So don’t count it as “covered” until it’s confirmed.
   
   
5. Ask about renewal: Some scholarships are one-year only. Ask if aid is renewable all four years, and what you need to do to keep it (GPA requirements, major, credit hours, etc.).
   
   
6. Don’t be afraid to appeal: If one school gave you a better offer and you have a strong reason—like a change in family income or competing offer—you can write a financial aid appeal. It’s more common than you think.

Still feeling overwhelmed? You might want to have a convo with your family or get some advice from your school counselor. Also, check Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships that don’t depend on which college you pick—it's more free money for school!

Can I send deposits to multiple colleges?

While you technically can send deposits to multiple schools to buy more time, "double-depositing" is low-key unethical and risky. It's best to pick one college and own your decision.

Colleges talk to each other. If they find out, they can withdraw your offers altogether. So remember—only deposit at one school.

If you’re genuinely unsure about where you want to go, call admissions and ask if they can extend your deadline. Some schools will say yes—especially if you’re waiting on financial aid updates or scholarship info.

What if I miss College Decision Day?

First: Breathe.

If you miss the May 1 deadline, don’t panic. Contact the admissions office immediately. Some colleges offer grace periods, and if they have room, they may still accept your commitment. Others might move you to a waitlist or require you to reapply.

Either way, don’t ghost them. Being upfront shows maturity—and sometimes, that’s what makes the difference.

Also, if you're still exploring schools, use Scout College Search to discover colleges that are still accepting applications. You may find a new path you hadn’t even considered.

College Decision Day FAQs

Q: Do I need to tell other colleges I'm not attending?

Yes! A polite email saying “Thanks, but I’m going elsewhere” helps colleges manage their waitlists and open up spots for other students.

Q: Can I change my mind after committing to a college?

Technically, yes—but you may lose your deposit and risk not getting into another school if it’s past their deadline. Think it through first.

Q: What’s the deposit amount?

Usually between $100–$500, depending on the school. Some waive it for students with financial need—just ask. Check your acceptance package for the correct deposit amount .

Q: Is May 1 also the deadline for scholarships?

Not always. Some scholarships have separate deadlines. Apply ASAP, and definitely check out Scholly Scholarships to see what you’re eligible for right now.

Your post-College Decision Day decision checklist

You hit “accept.” You paid your deposit. You took the photo in your college hoodie. Now what? Here’s your realistic post-decision action list:

1. Send in your final transcript: Colleges want to make sure you finish strong. Your admission is conditional—so if you slack off or fail a class, they could revoke your acceptance. Keep your grades up, and make sure your school sends your final transcript on time.
   
   
2. Set up your college email + student portal:  This is where they’ll send EVERYTHING: housing details, orientation info, bill due dates. Log in, bookmark it, and check it often.
   
   
3. Confirm housing and roommates: Deadlines for housing apps come fast after Decision Day. Complete the form, pay any housing deposits, and fill out your roommate profile (unless you already have someone in mind to request). 
   
   
4. Pick your orientation date: Most colleges require summer orientation. It’s where you’ll register for classes, meet new students, and get a feel for campus life. Spots fill up, so sign up early.
   
   
5. Schedule health checkups and submit forms: Colleges usually require vaccination records and a physical exam. You might need to submit them before move-in. If you take prescription meds, ask your doctor about transferring them to a nearby pharmacy.
   
   
6. Budget for move-in and supplies: You’ll need essentials like bedding, storage bins, tech (maybe a laptop), and clothes for a new climate. Start building a list and looking for deals now.
   
   
7. Say thanks to your support squad: A teacher wrote you a rec letter? Your family cheered you on? Someone helped you edit your essays? Let them know you appreciate them. A quick thank-you note or text goes a long way.
   
   
8. Keep applying for scholarships: Don't forget, you can keep apply for scholarships all year round—and all through college. Use Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships that fit you best.

Final thoughts: It's about more than choosing a school

College Decision Day means stepping into a whole new version of yourself and owning the path you've chosen, whatever that looks like.

Take it one step at a time, lean on your support system, and use every resource available to make the transition smoother. You've got this!