It's College Acceptance Letter Season - Learn How To Commit To A College.

After months of researching colleges, writing essays, taking standardized tests, and submitting applications, the hard part is finally over—you've been accepted! But before you can officially celebrate, one last crucial step is deciding where to commit. Your choice will shape the next four years of your life, so take the time to make the best decision for your future.

Your future begins—welcome to four years of top ramen noodles and late night study sessions. Your hard work paid off!

When Should You Commit?

The standard commitment deadline for all colleges, including the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU), is May 1, National College Decision Day. This is the last day most schools will hold your spot before assuming you're attending elsewhere.

If you need extra time to decide—perhaps you're waiting on financial aid adjustments or dealing with a family emergency—you must contact the admissions office before May 1 to request an extension. You risk losing your acceptance if you miss the deadline without communicating with the school.

Pro Tip: Many UC and Cal State campuses assign housing and orientation dates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you've made up your mind early, committing sooner may give you preference in your housing options and class registration times!

May 1st is decision day! But you can commit sooner as you feel the college choice is your "ride or die".

How to Officially Commit

With most colleges using online portals, committing is now a simple process:

1. Log into your applicant portal – The same place you checked your admissions decision and financial aid package.

2. Find the "Accept Offer" or "Intent to Enroll" button to confirm your spot in the incoming class.

3. Pay the non-refundable deposit – This fee varies by school and secures your enrollment. If you need financial assistance, contact the admissions office about possible fee deferrals.

4. Check for additional steps – Some schools require a separate housing deposit or forms to be completed after you accept.

How to Decide Where to Commit

For many students, choosing between multiple college acceptances can be overwhelming. Since you'll be spending the next four years there, consider your "anchors", the things you're not willing to compromise. And of course consider the academics:

Choosing a college isn't like picking a Netflix show—Don't overthink it, and don't panic,! What are your "anchors" or non-negotiable criteria. Does the college serve those items on your list?

1. Campus Environment & Location

• San Diego students, think about this: Do you want to stay close to home at SDSU or UCSD, or are you ready for a change in scenery at UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, or Cal Poly SLO?

• Visit the campus (or revisit!) to check out dorms, dining options, and the overall vibe. UC and CSU campuses can feel very different—compared to a city campus like UCLA, a suburban setting like UC Davis, or a beachside campus like UC Santa Barbara.

2. Academics & Career Prospects

• Look at the strength of your major at each school. Some UCs excel in STEM (UC Berkeley, UCSD, UCLA), while others have standout business programs (SDSU, Cal Poly SLO, UC Irvine).

• Check First Destination Reports (available on most university websites) to see where graduates in your field typically land jobs.

3. Financial Aid & Cost of Living

• Compare your financial aid offers, including grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

• Consider total costs, including housing, meal plans, and transportation. Living in LA or the Bay Area (UCLA, UC Berkeley) is more expensive than attending college in Fresno or Riverside.

• If you plan to live off-campus in the future, research rent prices in the area.

4. Opportunities & Campus Life

• Look into clubs, student organizations, and internships—especially if you have specific interests like entrepreneurship, environmental activism, or athletics.

• Think about class sizes. UCs tend to have larger lecture-style classes, while CSUs often offer smaller, hands-on learning experiences.

Bottom Line: Pick the college that best fits your academic, personal, and financial goals—not just the one with the most prestige or where your friends are going.

What If You Were Waitlisted?

If you've been waitlisted at a UC, don't panic! Each UC campus has its own waitlist process, but all UCs have synchronized their waitlist opt-in deadline to April 15 this year. Carefully review the details of the campus waitlist that offered you a spot before opting in.

Wait here. Do not pass go, do not collect $200! It can feel like Monopoly, but remember, depending on the institution, many students are accepted off the waitlist. You just have to be patient.

Key Things to Know About UC Waitlists:

• Decisions may come after May 1 – Most UCs do not release waitlist decisions until well after the commitment deadline, so secure a backup plan by committing to another college before May 1.

• Withdrawing a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) – If accepted from the waitlist later, you can withdraw your original commitment, though you will likely lose your $250 deposit.

• Waitlist Statements – Some UCs (like UCLA) may allow a waitlist statement. If given this opportunity, write about why the campus is an excellent fit for you and how you would contribute to the community. For UCs that do not allow additional statements, do not send extra materials—they won't be reviewed.

• Appeals vs. Waitlist – If given a waitlist offer, you cannot appeal your admission decision. Depending on the campus, a waitlisted student is far more likely to be admitted from the waitlist than through an appeal.

Do I Need to Notify the Colleges I'm Not Attending?

Technically, it's not required, but it's a good practice to inform the colleges you're declining. Many UC and CSU portals have an option to decline your offer. If not, a short email to the admissions office will do the trick. This helps free up spots for waitlisted students and stops unnecessary emails from schools you're no longer considering.

What Happens After I Commit?

Once you've submitted your deposit, check your college portal and email frequently for the next steps. Here's what you'll need to do next:

📌 Set Up Your College Email – This is where essential communications will be sent.

📌 Apply for Housing – Most colleges guarantee housing for first-year students, but if you want a particular dorm, you should apply early! It's usually first come, first serve.

📌 Sign Up for Orientation – You'll meet fellow students, register for classes, and get familiar with campus life.

📌 Submit Final Transcripts – Your college needs proof of graduation, so remember to forward your final grades by the college deadline. And remember, poor final grades could revoke your acceptance.

📌 Check Health Requirements – Some campuses require immunization records before enrollment.

📌 Take Placement Tests (if needed) – Some CSUs require math or English placement tests if your SAT/ACT scores don't meet specific benchmarks.

Committing to a college is a significant milestone, but the process doesn't stop there! Stay on top of deadlines, housing applications, and any additional paperwork to ensure a smooth transition to college life. No matter which UC or Cal State you choose, remember—you worked hard for this moment, and the next chapter of your journey is just beginning.

Dorm life is an adventure—secure your spot early to get your preferences!