The New York Times education blog, The Choice, offers a series of posts dedicated to helping students understand the college admissions process. In March 2013, The Choice featured a college checklist which shared advice on how to prepare for a college admissions decision letter and explained what you should do once you receive acceptance into a program of study.

If you are waiting to hear from officials at a school, here are some helpful tips to follow:

Before the Decision Arrives

• Review your college choices – Make a list of why you applied to each school and use it to help you make a decision on where to enroll.
• Thank the people who helped you – Send thank you letters to anyone who wrote you letters of recommendation or helped you throughout the application process.
• Finalize your finances – F and M students may qualify for financial aid so research the best options for you.

When the Decision Arrives

• Stay aware on social media – Remember that college officials may check your social media activity, so think about what you post before you post it. If you did not get into the school of your choice, do not post negative comments about that school online.
• Remember that college admission is a process – School officials look at many applicants each year. Do not be discouraged if you were waitlisted or denied and continue looking for other Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified schools in the United States to which you can apply.

After You Receive Acceptance