March is a weird month in the college planning world. Winter is technically over, spring is just a few weeks away, and school suddenly feels… like an afterthought? (It’s not. Sorry.)
But behind the scenes, March is a big deal for college planning. Decisions are starting to roll in, financial aid season is heating up, and juniors should be laying some important groundwork before summer sneaks up on them.
Whether you’re a junior just starting to feel the pressure or a senior knee-deep in decisions, here’s what you should be focusing on this month.
March is the perfect time to revisit your college list with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:
Try to aim for a balanced list with reach, match, and likely schools. And remember: a long school list doesn’t automatically mean better. A thoughtful list is best. Here are some things to consider when choosing a college.
Pro tip: Start paying attention to net price calculators on college websites. Sticker price is scary, but it’s not the whole story.
If standardized testing is part of your plan, now’s the time to:
March is also a great month to decide if you’re going test-optional and for which schools. This isn’t about doing what your friends are doing; it’s about what makes your application stronger.
You don’t need to ask for letters yet, but you do need to be strategic. Think about:
Wondering who you should ask? Lucky for you, we have a blog all about it.
Use the rest of the school year to stay engaged, participate, and show up. You'll be glad you planned this in advance (trust me).
By March, many seniors are starting to hear back from colleges. You may have gotten multiple acceptances (congrats! 🥳). It’s all exciting and can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that you have to make a decision.
When comparing schools, look at:
Yes, vibes matter. But vibes + facts = better decisions.
This is the month to sit down (yes, actually sit down) and talk about:
College is a multi-year financial commitment. Understanding the plan now can save you a lot of stress later.
Financial aid award letters can be confusing, misleading, and honestly... a bit painful to look at. When reviewing offers, make sure you understand:
Don’t assume the school with the biggest scholarship is the cheapest option. Comparing offers side by side is key, and this is one area where getting help can make a huge difference.
If your financial aid offer doesn’t feel doable, you may be able to appeal, especially if:
Appeals aren’t guaranteed, but they are worth exploring. March is the time to ask questions.
March comes with a lot of important dates:
Missing a deadline can cost you money or your spot. Put everything in a calendar. Set reminders. Tell your parents. Tell your phone. Tell your dog.
March is a great month to:
A few applications a week add up fast, and every dollar helps.
Looking to get matched with the perfect local scholarship? You need to check out rischolarships.org!
March doesn’t require you to have everything figured out, but it does reward taking action.
No matter where you are in the process, remember: college planning isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about taking the next right step, asking questions, and using the support available to you.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed? Totally normal. You’re probably doing more right than you think.