How to celebrate with your student for College Signing Day

May 1 is something like a holiday in the higher education world. It’s National College Signing Day, the day when all college-bound students announce to the world where they’re headed for college. It’s sort of a big deal.

You’re probably wondering how you and your student can celebrate. We have some tips.

First, let’s back up a bit and start at the beginning.

The history of College Signing Day

Remember a decade ago when there was a live TV show for Lebron to announce where he was going to play basketball the following season? That’s sort of how it is for outstanding high school athletes with National Signing Day when they announce which college they’re going to play for and likely earn their degree from.

Sports and athletic opportunity are great. Likewise, going to college to get an education and create a better life for yourself is something worthy of recognition for non-athletes, too. Someone realized this and said, “Those are students we should be celebrating.”

And that “someone” who decided there should be a day set aside for students to make their college choice announcement was Michelle Obama. She started the Reach Higher campaign during her time in the White House, and it grew to be a star-studded event held at a different college each year. Check out this video to see what went down.

College Signing Day today

That brings us to now. Here we are at the end of another spring semester when most high school seniors are participating in senior year celebrations like prom and graduation. So, why not add College Signing Day to the list and get ready to celebrate wherever you are — especially online. Get ready to share your celebration, big or (pause) not so big. It's all good. Let's go!

How to celebrate College Signing Day

Your student can make their college choice announcement on social media. They should post a selfie wearing their college gear or colors, @mention their school, and use the hashtag #CollegeSigningDay. Encourage them to get creative with their post and have fun with it. And of course, they should comment on and interact with their friends’ College Signing Day posts. Consider getting together with family or your student’s friends to talk about and celebrate their college decision. 

The bottom line is that going to college, community college, trade school or the military after high school should be celebrated. So make May 1 a memorable day. Turn your attention to your student, their accomplishments in high school and the exciting choice they’ve made for their future.