By Jeremy Tiers, Vice President of Admissions Services
2 minute read
During two separate conversations last week I had admissions counselors ask me for advice about admitted students who seemed stuck and were delaying their college decision.
My first question for the counselor both times was, “Why do you think that is?”
Neither one seemed 100% sure, so I shared two of the most common reasons that we continue to see every year in our survey data… and what to do about each.
- They’re overwhelmed by all the choices and decisions. Having too many choices and thinking about all the subsequent decisions that have to be made after they deposit causes mental burnout. Delaying their decision helps them temporarily escape the mental drain. I encourage you to ask probing questions like, “What do you think are the most important factors in a college decision?” Or, “If you had to choose today, what might be a reason you would pick our school over your other choices?” You could also explain what the top decision-making factors are for most students, or why other students choose to deposit at this point versus waiting into May. Last but not least, consider reminding them that once they make their decision they don’t have to navigate all the next steps alone. Let them know you will continue to be a resource, and that there are other people at your school who will do the same.
- They’re scared of making the wrong decision. For 10 years straight this has remained the top “fear” or worry that most students have during their college search. They start playing the what-if game in their head (what if I get there and I’m not happy, or what if my friends question or criticize my decision). I encourage you to start by normalizing their fear and reassuring them that they’re not alone – it’s common to feel that way. From there you can share stories of how other students who recently deposited came to their decision. You could also let them know there is no “wrong” decision. That doesn’t guarantee things will work out perfectly, but remind them that life presents challenges and it’s important to live in the present versus stressing about things that haven’t even happened yet. Trust yourself.
If you found this article helpful, please forward it to someone else on your campus who could also benefit from reading it. You can also encourage them to subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.