What is College Decision Day? What Happens Afterward?

The Cost of College Decision Day

May 1st is a BIG day for the Class of 2025—it's College Decision Day. This nationally recognized date marks the deadline for high school seniors to commit to the college they plan to attend. Many high schools and families celebrate with events and social media posts.

However, what many students and families don’t realize is that committing to a college is only step one. There are several important—and often costly—action items that must be completed before a student is ready to move onto campus.

After College Decision Day Checklist

1. Complete Housing Application and DepositIf you plan to live on campus, you’ll need to submit a housing application and pay a deposit, which can range from $200 to $800. Housing typically opens in February and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you delay, you may miss out on campus housing and be forced to choose a more expensive off-campus option.

   
   

2. Get the Meningitis VaccineAll college students are required to have the meningitis vaccine or provide proof of vaccination. If you haven’t received the vaccine yet, it could cost up to $200.

   
   

3. Submit Placement Test ScoresSend your Accuplacer or Texas Success Initiative (TSI) scores (for Texas residents) to your college. These tests determine if you’ll need remedial courses. In some cases, high SAT or ACT scores can exempt you from these requirements.

   
   

4. Review and Finalize Financial AidRegularly check your financial aid status throughout the summer. If you plan to take out student loans, be sure to complete all required paperwork at least 2–3 weeks before move-in day.

   
   

5. Register for New Student OrientationOrientation is where you’ll register for classes and get a better idea of your first semester’s costs. The earlier you attend, the more options you’ll have for class schedules.

   
   

6. Send Final High School TranscriptAfter graduation, don’t forget to send your final transcript to the college you’re attending.

   
   
   
   

What Happens If a Student Doesn't Commit by May 1st?

Colleges and universities are also watching the calendar. If a student doesn’t commit by May 1st, some colleges may rescind scholarship offers or admission decisions.

We’ve seen students change their plans—choosing to delay college or attend a community college—simply because they couldn’t afford the next steps. It’s an emotional and difficult decision for seniors who’ve worked so hard to get to this point.

That’s why we continue to emphasize: College prep is financial literacy.The biggest financial decision a high school student may ever make is what happens after high school. Without proper guidance and support, they can easily make the wrong choice.