We got our first offer. Now what?

First, breathe. An offer is a beginning, not an ending. You don't have to respond today, this week, or even this month for most offers.

Three things to do, in order. One: get the offer in writing — the program name, scholarship percentage, position, class year. Two: ask the coach what their typical decision timeline looks like, and write it down. Three: do not announce on social media yet. Let the family sit with it for a week before you change anything publicly.

The first offer is a sign that the system is working. Let it sink in before the noise starts.