Guides · Decisions
Acceptances are in. How do I choose?
The short answer
Compare aid offers by grants only (loans aren't discounts), keep at least two options open until you have offers you can live with, and pay one deposit by the college's deadline, usually May 1.
Compare offers fairly
- Subtract grants and scholarships from the full cost. That's your real price.
- Ask whether merit aid renews each year, and what GPA keeps it.
- If one offer is much lower than another similar college's, ask for a review. Colleges do adjust.
Want this for your colleges?
Add your GPA and scores once and every college shows your odds and what families like yours paid. Free, no sign-up, stays on your phone. Build my list