So, you’ve finally submitted your Common App – first of all, congrats! That’s a huge step, and you deserve a break (and maybe some celebratory ice cream, just sayin’). But before you get too comfortable in that post-application glow, I’ve got some news: the college planning process isn’t quite done yet. Yup, there’s still a little more road ahead before you’re fully prepped to step onto campus. But don’t stress – we’ve got a breakdown of what happens next and how you can keep leveling up your college game.
Keep an Eye on Your Email (Seriously, Don’t Ghost It)
Once your apps are submitted, colleges will likely start reaching out to you via email. Whether it's missing documents, updates on your application status, or even invitations to interviews, it’s vital that you stay on top of these messages. Admissions offices usually send important info via email and trust me; you don’t want to miss a deadline just because you didn’t check your inbox.
Pro Tip: Set up a filter for your college-related emails or use a dedicated email address for your applications. This way, you won't have to dig through spam or endless promotional emails to find the stuff that matters.
Complete Financial Aid Forms
Filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CSS Profile is a must if you’re looking for financial help. CSS Profile is not required for all colleges. Click here for the full list. These forms are your gateway to scholarships, grants, and loans.
The FAFSA typically opens on October 1st, but the 2025-2026 FAFSA is delayed until December 1st. Stay on top of the latest updates with our FAFSA Notifications. Schools and States have their own financial aid deadlines, so you don’t want to miss these, so be sure to keep track!
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about what’s needed for these forms, check out the CPC’s FAFSA Guide or you can check out FAFSA’s official site for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your counselor for guidance either!
Prepare for Interviews (If Needed)
Not all schools require interviews, but if you’re applying to one that does, you might get an invitation from the college. These interviews can be virtual or in-person, and they’re usually pretty chill – think more casual conversation, less interrogation. Still, you’ll want to prep for common interview questions like, “Why do you want to attend this school?” or “What are your academic interests?”
Pro Tip: Do some light research on the school before your interview. Showing you’re genuinely interested in their programs or culture will score you major points!
Scholarship Hunting Isn’t Over
Even after submitting your application, you should still be on the lookout for scholarships. There are tons of scholarships that have deadlines throughout the year, and many aren’t tied to your school’s financial aid package. The best part? Some are as simple as filling out a form or writing a short essay, which means free money for not too much effort.
Check out rischolarships.org and don’t forget to ask your counselor about local scholarships. Every little bit helps and the less student loan debt you have, the better!
Use Virtual Calculators to Plan Ahead
As you plan for college, one of the smartest moves you can make is using online calculators to map out your financial future. There are some great tools out there that help you see the bigger picture.
- College cost calculators give you a ballpark figure of how much a particular school will cost after financial aid. Many colleges have them right on their website.
- Salary calculators help you get an idea of what kind of money you might make after graduation based on your major or career choice. This is especially helpful when deciding if taking out loans is worth it.
- Loan calculators let you see what your monthly payments might look if you were to begin repaying your loan immediately.
Pro Tip: Check out tools like RISLA’s Calculator page or other trusted sources to give yourself a clear financial plan. Understanding the numbers now will make future you so grateful!
Visit (or Revisit) Campuses
If you didn’t get a chance to tour all your dream schools, now’s the time to do it. Or, if you’re torn between a couple of schools, a second visit might help you figure out which one feels like the right fit. Many schools offer virtual tours if traveling isn’t an option, so you can still get a sense of the campus vibe from your couch.
Campus visits also give you a chance to connect with current students and ask questions that might not be answered on the website or brochures. Plus, you can start picturing yourself living there – which is kind of exciting, right?
Maintain Your Grades
I know, I know – senioritis is real. But here’s the truth: colleges will absolutely check your final grades before making their official decisions. Just because you’ve submitted your app doesn’t mean you can slack off. Admissions officers want to see that you’re consistent, and tanking your grades in the final semester could be a dealbreaker for some schools.
Pro Tip: Stay focused and finish strong. You’ll thank yourself when those acceptance letters roll in and your transcript is solid. Facing senioritis? Check out our blog post all about it!
Prepare for Acceptance (and Maybe Rejection) Letters
Speaking of acceptance letters, this part of the process can be exciting and stressful. You’ll start hearing back from schools anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after submitting your application. Some schools have rolling admissions, while others send out decisions in batches.
While the goal is to get those “You’re in!” letters, it’s possible you’ll also face some rejections. And that’s okay! Remember that it’s part of the process and there’s a college out there for you. Keep your options open and don’t let one rejection define your future.
Celebrate (But Plan for What’s Next)
Once you start receiving acceptance letters, celebrate! You’ve worked hard to get to this point and it’s definitely worth a moment of pride. But while you’re celebrating, don’t forget that there are still a few more steps before you’re officially a college student.
You’ll need to choose a school, notify the admissions office of your decision, and submit any necessary deposits by the deadlines they give you. After that, it’s time to think about housing, orientation, and your summer plans (hello, shopping for dorm décor!).
Final Thoughts
So, while hitting submit on the Common App is a major milestone, it’s definitely not the finish line. By staying on top of these next steps, you’ll be more than ready for college life when it finally arrives. The journey may have its ups and downs, but you’ve got this – and hey, before you know it, you’ll be moving into your dorm, meeting your new besties, and starting the next chapter of your life. Keep going, future college student – your next adventure is just around the corner!
