Visiting colleges in person is one of the most valuable ways to get a feel for a school. While researching colleges is definitely important, seeing a college campus in person and talking to students is essential in helping you discover good fits for you.  Here’s how to make the most out of your college visits.

At some point after you’ve submitted your applications, admissions decisions will be made, and each college will notify you. The notification timeline varies depending on the type of application: Early Decision/Early Decision 1/Early Decision 2, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admissions. 

For Rolling Admissions, applicants hear quickly, sometimes within a few days of applying. Early Action notifications vary-this year, some have heard within a few weeks of applying, but typically decisions are posted from early December to mid-February. Early Decision applicants usually find out in mid-December about that outcome. Regular Decision applicants hear in March-early April.

This post outlines the primary types of college admissions decisions, enabling you to understand what to expect and the implications of each outcome.

Now that you’ve submitted college applications, what are the next steps? What should you be aware of and pay attention to? Here are productive and positive steps seniors can take while waiting for college admissions decisions.

Demonstrated interest is an important factor for some colleges as they assess applicants. Showing your interest in a college can be handled in several ways. It is a factor that some colleges measure and track in their applicant pools.