NextStudent Adivsors

Understanding Application Response Letters 

Submitting your college application to your prospective schools is only the beginning of the process. In addition, it is important that you know the meaning of application response letters, including acceptance and award letters, and what your next steps should be. 

You’ve got an application response letter in your hand…so what does it really mean? Here you will find information that will help you determine the difference between a conditional acceptance, a wait-listed acceptance, a deferred acceptance, and other possibilities.

Understanding Acceptance Letter

Congratulations! You’ve received an acceptance letter from the college or colleges of your choice. Now, what do you do?  Here you will find out what to look for in the acceptance letter, including specific instructions, such as what forms to fill out, what deposits to pay, and the necessary paperwork for submission to the colleges. 

Understanding Award Letter

If you have received a financial aid award letter, it could contain vital information on everything from grants and scholarships, to student loans and work-study programs. You will want to find out which types of financial aid need to be repaid and which do not, so that you can choose the best options specifically for you. 

What If I Didn’t Get In?

You have waited an eternity for the acceptance letters from your Number 1, 2, and 3 colleges. You open the envelope and find the college equivalent of a “Dear John” letter inside. Do remember that a rejection letter does not mean that you do not have what it takes to succeed in college. Thus, you need to get past the disappointment and get on with the process of applying to colleges or universities. Here is how you should proceed. 

What If Award Is Not Enough? 

You should learn the meaning of financial aid terms, from “adjusted available income” to “W2 Forms.” So, use this glossary as a resource throughout the college search process as well as the college application process.