Knowing your Rights and Responsibilities as a student
Choosing your college is a big decision – one you should not feel pressured into making. For this reason, Cornell College abides by the May 1 National Candidates Reply Date; the date by which all students must notify their colleges of their enrollment decisions.*
The National Candidates Reply Date was established by the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) to provide all students and families the opportunity to consider all admission, financial aid and scholarship offers without penalty from any college. You should never feel pressure from any admission counselor, athletic coach or other faculty or staff member on campus to decide early.
Why May 1? Since most colleges do not provide financial aid packages until March or April, this deadline provides students and families the time needed to make a thoughtful, informed decision.
Can I decide before May 1? Sure! Once you decide on a school, the next step is to submit an enrollment deposit to the admission office at that school. You should also decline your offer of admission by contacting the admission office at each other college that has offered you admission. NACAC also restricts any college from contacting you once you have informed them of your final decision.
Can I decide after May 1? If you do not make your final choice before by May 1, there is no guarantee that your financial aid package, scholarship or housing will still be available. Students who wait until after May 1 to decide run the risk of no longer being able to attend the school of their choice. If you would like to enroll after May 1 you should complete the Extension Request Form or contact us by phone before submitting your deposit.
If you feel you are being pressured by a college to make a commitment before May 1, please contact us for additional information and guidance about your rights and responsibilities as an admitted student.
*Students who applied as Early Decision I or Early Decision II candidates should abide by the deposit deadlines associated with these application plans.