NBC Bay Area (KNTV-TV) Interview with Dr. Shaan Patel

College Decision Day Is Here—But You Still Have Options
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert

May 1st is a date etched into the minds of high school seniors across the country—College Decision Day. For most students, it’s the final deadline to accept an offer of admission and lock in where they’ll be headed this fall.

But what if you’re still unsure?

What if you haven’t picked a school, haven’t paid your deposit, or worse—didn’t get into your dream program?

Here’s the good news: you still have options. And more importantly, you still have time to make the right decision for your future—not just the one everyone else expects you to make.

You Don’t Have to Rush a Life-Changing Decision

Let’s be real—college choice is one of the biggest decisions a teenager will ever make. Yet many students are expected to finalize it under pressure, right before graduation, based on an arbitrary deadline.

If that’s where you are right now, I want you to hear this clearly:

College Decision Day is a checkpoint—not a finish line.

If you need more time, take it. Many colleges are still accepting applications, especially state schools, regional universities, and community colleges. Others are open to late enrollment requests, particularly if you communicate directly with admissions.

You’re not behind—you’re still in the game.

Don’t Choose a School Just to Impress Others

This is a tough one, especially in the age of social media.

Every May, I see students post Instagram stories revealing which top university they picked. But too often, I meet those same students a year later—unhappy, stressed out, and thinking about transferring.

Why? Because they chose the “prestigious” name over the right fit.

Here’s what I always tell students:

• College isn’t a brand—it’s a launchpad.
• Where you go matters less than what you do when you get there.
• A school that supports your goals, challenges your growth, and feels like home will serve you better than any fancy name ever could.

So if you’re still deciding, ask yourself: Where will I thrive—not just survive?

State Schools Can Offer a Better ROI Than Private Ones

Let’s talk numbers. Private colleges can cost upwards of $80,000 per year, while in-state public universities often come in under $30,000 total—including tuition, housing, and meals.

That’s a $200,000+ difference over four years.

And here’s the kicker: you can still get an incredible education at a public school, especially if you:

• Enroll in an honors program
• Take advantage of research or internship opportunities
• Connect with mentors and advisors early

Many state schools are nationally ranked in STEM, business, education, and healthcare. And if you’re planning to go on to grad school, law school, or med school, your undergraduate GPA and experiences matter more than your college’s name.

Still Undecided? Consider Community College First

If you’re unsure about your major, career path, or just need time to get your footing, community college is a smart option.

Here’s why:

• It’s significantly more affordable—many offer tuition-free programs for local residents.
• You can complete general education courses and transfer to a four-year university later.
• It gives you breathing room to explore without taking on debt too early.

And contrary to outdated stigma, community college students are thriving—many go on to transfer to top universities like UCLA, UC Berkeley, NYU, and more.

I’ve seen it happen with countless Prep Expert students. The path may look different—but the destination can be just as strong.

Don’t Forget to Apply for Scholarships and Grants

No matter where you decide to go, funding matters.

Every year, billions of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed—often because students don’t know where to look or think they’re not qualified.

Start by:

• Submitting the FAFSA (if you haven’t already)
• Checking your college’s financial aid office for institutional awards
• Searching private databases like Bold.org, Fastweb, or Scholarships360
• Reaching out to local organizations, religious groups, or clubs with community-based scholarships

At Prep Expert, we’ve helped students earn over $100 million in scholarships—and many of them didn’t come from perfect GPAs or test scores. They came from persistence, preparation, and applying widely.

If You’re Waitlisted or Rejected—You’re Not Out of Options

Still waiting to hear back? Got rejected from your top choice?

Here’s what you can do:

• Follow up with the admissions office—some schools revisit their waitlists in May and June.
• Consider a gap year to strengthen your application with internships, work experience, or a post-grad program.
• Apply to rolling-admissions schools, which continue accepting students well past May 1.

You may not have the school you originally dreamed of—but you can still build the future you envisioned.

Trust Yourself—This Is Your Journey

I know how overwhelming it can feel. Parents have opinions. Friends are celebrating. Counselors are urging you to submit your deposit.

But at the end of the day, this is your life—not theirs.

Don’t choose a college for the logo. Choose it for the life you want to build.

Ask yourself:

• Can I see myself happy here?
• Is it financially realistic?
• Does this school support my goals—or someone else’s?

You’re the one who will live with the decision. So make sure it’s one that reflects who you are—and where you want to go.

Final Thoughts

College Decision Day feels final. But it’s not the end of the road—it’s just one stop along the way.

You still have options. You still have power. And with the right plan, you can still find the school that’s right for you—on your timeline, not someone else’s.

And if you need help navigating scholarships, test prep, or strategic planning for next year’s applications, Prep Expert is here to help.

Because college isn’t about where you start—it’s about what you do once you get there.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert, an education company that helps students earn higher SAT/ACT scores, secure scholarships, and gain admission to top colleges. He scored a perfect SAT and has helped over 100,000 families navigate the college journey with clarity and confidence.