Senior College Counseling Blog | The Dunham School | Private PreK-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

Senior Year Survival Guide: Navigating March and April

March 2026

As the calendar turns to March 2026, high school seniors and their families enter one of the most emotionally charged periods of the college journey. The "waiting game" is nearly over, and the "deciding game" is about to begin.

Here is a comprehensive timeline to help you navigate these two critical months.

March: The Month of Anticipation

For most students, March is defined by the arrival of Regular Decision (RD) notifications.

• Mid-March: Many large public universities and some private colleges begin releasing decisions via their online portals. Action: Log in to your portals weekly to ensure no "missing item" flags are delaying your review.
• March 14 (Pi Day): Traditionally, MIT and several other STEM-focused schools release decisions on this day.
• March 26, 2026 (Ivy Day): The anticipated date when all eight Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc.) release their decisions simultaneously.
• The "Waitlist" Pivot: If you are waitlisted, don't panic. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) immediately. Demonstrating that you will attend if admitted is more important than ever for moving off the waitlist. (Please see Mrs. Eagleton in the College Suite. She will guide you through this process.)

April: The Month of Evaluation

Once the envelopes (and emails) have arrived, the focus shifts from "getting in" to "fitting in."

• Compare Financial Aid Packages: Don't just look at the "Sticker Price." Use a comparison worksheet to calculate the Net Price (Tuition + Room/Board minus Grants/Scholarships). Note: Pay close attention to the new 2026-27 Federal Aid rules. While undergraduate Pell Grants remain stable, Parent PLUS loan caps have shifted for new borrowers—ensure you understand your family's long-term borrowing limits.
• Attend "Admitted Student Days": These are specifically for students who have already been accepted. They are far more revealing than standard tours. Use them to talk to current students about the "real" campus culture.
• Check Housing Deadlines: At many popular schools, housing is first-come, first-served. You may need to submit a housing deposit before the final May 1 commitment deadline to secure a spot in a preferred dorm.
• The Final Choice: By mid-April, narrow your list to the top two. If you are still torn, do one final "gut check" visit or reach out to a department head in your intended major. You will need to make a final decision by May 1.