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How long should I wait to hear back about Scholarships before I choose a college? ?
I am a current high school senior who has 4 main college interests. My preferred college is not in my hometown but in the same state. This adds additional costs to yearly college tuition. I'm a bit lost when it comes to applying for and waiting for scholarships and making a final decision on a college. #Fall25
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Prema’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at this point. Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you’ve had to make so far, and finances make it even more stressful. The good news: you do not need to make your final decision right now, and there are smart steps you can take to keep all your options open while improving your financial outlook.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help you navigate this stage:
Step 1: Understand Your Timeline
You don’t need to choose a college until May 1 (National Decision Day) for most schools.
That means you have months for:
Step 1: Applying to colleges
Applying to scholarships
Waiting for acceptance letters
Waiting for financial aid + scholarship offers
Comparing total costs
You don’t commit financially yet — only when you accept an offer.
Step 2: Apply to All 4 Colleges Now
Even if some schools are more expensive, apply to all 4:
You never know which will offer the best aid package.
Your “preferred college” may become affordable once scholarships/aid come through.
You keep your options open.
Step 3: File Your FAFSA as Early as Possible
The FAFSA opens December 2024 for the 2025–2026 school year.
Do it early because:
Some aid is first-come, first-served
It determines Pell Grants, state grants, and need-based scholarships
Colleges use it to calculate financial aid packages
This is one of the most important steps for lowering your cost.
Step 4: Apply to Scholarships in Waves
Think of scholarships in three categories:
1. Scholarships from your future colleges
These are often the biggest.
You usually get the results with your acceptance or financial aid letter.
2. Local scholarships (your school, town, clubs, organizations)
These have the least competition — and the highest win rate.
Examples:
Rotary Club
PTA
Local businesses
High school-specific scholarships
Ask your counselor for a full list.
3. National scholarships
Examples:
Coca-Cola Scholars
Gates Scholarship
Dell Scholars
Horatio Alger
These are more competitive, but worth trying for.
Apply to as many as you reasonably can — every $500 adds up.
Step 5: Compare Total Costs After Aid
When you get all your offers, compare:
Tuition
Housing
Meal plans
Fees
Transportation
Scholarships
Grants
Work-study
Out-of-pocket cost
Loan amounts
A school that looks expensive now might become cheaper after aid.
Step 6: About Living Away From Home
Your preferred college costs more only because of:
Housing
Meals
Transportation
But don’t rule it out yet — many colleges offer:
Residential scholarships
Housing grants
First-year living stipends
Work-study jobs
In-state discounts
Some students end up paying less even when moving away because that school has better funding.
Step 7: Don’t Stress About the “Final Decision” Yet
You will make the decision after you see:
Which colleges accept you
What scholarships you win
What your financial aid package looks like
Which campus feels right for your goals
Right now your job is just to:
Apply
Apply for aid
Apply for scholarships
Keep your options open
Here’s a clear breakdown to help you navigate this stage:
Step 1: Understand Your Timeline
You don’t need to choose a college until May 1 (National Decision Day) for most schools.
That means you have months for:
Step 1: Applying to colleges
Applying to scholarships
Waiting for acceptance letters
Waiting for financial aid + scholarship offers
Comparing total costs
You don’t commit financially yet — only when you accept an offer.
Step 2: Apply to All 4 Colleges Now
Even if some schools are more expensive, apply to all 4:
You never know which will offer the best aid package.
Your “preferred college” may become affordable once scholarships/aid come through.
You keep your options open.
Step 3: File Your FAFSA as Early as Possible
The FAFSA opens December 2024 for the 2025–2026 school year.
Do it early because:
Some aid is first-come, first-served
It determines Pell Grants, state grants, and need-based scholarships
Colleges use it to calculate financial aid packages
This is one of the most important steps for lowering your cost.
Step 4: Apply to Scholarships in Waves
Think of scholarships in three categories:
1. Scholarships from your future colleges
These are often the biggest.
You usually get the results with your acceptance or financial aid letter.
2. Local scholarships (your school, town, clubs, organizations)
These have the least competition — and the highest win rate.
Examples:
Rotary Club
PTA
Local businesses
High school-specific scholarships
Ask your counselor for a full list.
3. National scholarships
Examples:
Coca-Cola Scholars
Gates Scholarship
Dell Scholars
Horatio Alger
These are more competitive, but worth trying for.
Apply to as many as you reasonably can — every $500 adds up.
Step 5: Compare Total Costs After Aid
When you get all your offers, compare:
Tuition
Housing
Meal plans
Fees
Transportation
Scholarships
Grants
Work-study
Out-of-pocket cost
Loan amounts
A school that looks expensive now might become cheaper after aid.
Step 6: About Living Away From Home
Your preferred college costs more only because of:
Housing
Meals
Transportation
But don’t rule it out yet — many colleges offer:
Residential scholarships
Housing grants
First-year living stipends
Work-study jobs
In-state discounts
Some students end up paying less even when moving away because that school has better funding.
Step 7: Don’t Stress About the “Final Decision” Yet
You will make the decision after you see:
Which colleges accept you
What scholarships you win
What your financial aid package looks like
Which campus feels right for your goals
Right now your job is just to:
Apply
Apply for aid
Apply for scholarships
Keep your options open
Thank you so very much for your time and information! This outline definitely eases my mind!
Emma