Step 9 : Arrive at a decision + an optional step

You have the replies but don't know where to go. Filter the replies. Come down to 3 univs. Start asking the seniors who are in that university. See what they have to say. List down the pros and cons. A poll is the worst way to make a decision. Don't take a poll on "Which should I join".

Even before you realize, you will be nearing sem 8 submissions. Not a problem. Take your own time. This decision is the decision of your life. Doesn't matter even if you prolong it into your sem 8 theory exam. But by May end you must know the final univ. You must have its I-20 in hand (I-20 is an official form from the US Government and a confirmed admit to that University. Only this form can give you the visa. It is sent by the University to your postal address)

The optional step here is that some Universities might reply to you with just an admit letter but no I-20. In this case, your admission is conditional. The conditions could be to send the financial documents again or pay some tuition deposit or simply fill some online confirmation form. After this, within 2 weeks, you will receive the I-20 by courier.