Navigating college decision season: What should students do if wait-listed or rejected?

By now, most high school seniors have received their letters from the colleges they applied to. As Boston 25's Christine McCarthy reports, now it's decision time. For a lot of high school seniors, the hard part is over. You've worked hard, applied to colleges in an increasingly competitive process, and received your admissions letters. But now, it's time to commit. It's been said that college is the best four years of a student's life. For some, the first time they leave home, a boundless opportunity to pave their own future. For many students, this is the fun part where you're in the driver's seat and you get to choose amongst your options where you want to be. But selecting what college to attend after opening admissions letters can be stressful. Connor Beatty, chief consulting officer at Spark Admissions, says the key is to find the right fit. That's really doing some reflection about yourself, where you're going to thrive and be comfortable, and then doing a lot of research into the offerings of the schools you've been chosen. He encourages revisiting campuses and attending accepted students events to get a feel for the culture and social aspect, compare financial aid packages and scholarships, don't be afraid to negotiate with schools, and consider opportunities for research, jobs, internships, and co-ops. Not only parents, but students themselves are thinking pragmatically about college, that in the current job market, you want to invest in a university that's going to prepare you for those opportunities. For those who've been waitlisted at their dream school, writing the college a detailed letter with updated accomplishments may improve chances, but you should still plan to put a deposit on your number two school. Think of it as your final love letter to the school. Say, these are all the reasons why you and I are a perfect fit for each other. Rejection can sting, but Beatty says don't take it personally. Take another look at schools you've been accepted to, and know that transfer may be an option later. At the end of the day, you as a student are going to bring all of your strengths, all of your intelligence, hard work, curiosity, to whatever school you go to, and you can make the most of that situation and thrive. Most students still have a few weeks to decide. National College Decisions Day is May 1st. On scene in Chestnut Hill, Christy McCarthy for your local station, Boston 25 News.