Congratulations! You have made it through the college admissions process, and you are about to become a 
college student. Choosing your college and transitioning to college life represent a new level of independence 
and responsibility that can be both exciting and anxiety producing. This section will guide you through your 
final choice, your summer tasks, and freshman year experiences.
Make the Right “Fit” Decision
Understand Your Letters of Acceptance
Share your letters of acceptance with your success 
network, and note the following details of your 
acceptance:
•Were you extended an offer of acceptance or 
were you accepted conditionally? If you were  
accepted conditionally, you will need to meet  
specific criteria to be fully accepted, such as  
successfully completing summer coursework — 
called a “bridge program” — prior to your  
freshman year.
•Were you waitlisted? If you were waitlisted, you may  
not receive a final decision until late spring or just  
before the fall semester begins. If you were waitlisted  
at your first-choice school, contact the admissions 
office and send new information that will support 
your application, such as final grades or news about 
an honor you received. Talk to the admissions office 
about your chances of acceptance. Waitlists are  
unpredictable, so send a deposit to your next-choice 
college to ensure you have a spot in the fall. 
Make Your Choice  
To make the most informed decision when choosing 
the college you will attend, you need to truly 
understand your academic, social, and financial fit.
•Revisit your responses to Your Fit Profile on p. 22 
and the College Fit Form on pp. 26-27. Which of 
the schools that has admitted you is your closest fit?
•Financial fit must be a key factor. Can you afford  
to attend the college based on the financial aid  
package offered? Use the College Cost Calculator 
on p. 50 to compare the financial aid packages  
offered by the schools that accepted you. If you  
cannot afford to attend a school, then it is not  
the right fit.
Time Your Decision Carefully  
You have until May 1 to decide where to enroll;  
do not feel pressured to make an immediate decision. 
However, it is wise to be aware of any housing  
options or other programs that may have deadlines 
before May 1.
59
Becoming a College Student
Becoming a College Student
In this section: 
Make Your Choice, p. 59
On-Campus Support, p. 60
Freshman Orientation, p. 61
Purchase Your Textbooks, p. 61
Manage Your Money, p. 62
University of Pittsburgh

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