|
Up
Applying
Athletics
Deadlines
Early Decision
Feature Article
How to's
Options
Problems
Requirements
Worksheet
Your Qualifications
|
Most
colleges have early application programs or early decision program. This type of
program lets you turn in your application early, usually by November 15, and
hear back from the school by mid-December. Applying early can be great because
you don't have to wait for four months too know whether you've been admitted.
But it also has its bad points. Applying early can be stressful because it gives
you less time to make your final college choice and meeting the November 15
deadline may be nearly impossible.
 We recommend entering early decision/action plans only if
you’re absolutely sure of the college
you want to attend. Because early decision plans are usually binding you
shouldn't apply under one to all the colleges on your short list, just your #1
choice. By “binding” we mean that if you apply as an early decision
candidate, you usually have to agree to attend the college if it accepts you and
offers an adequate financial aid package.
What is Early Action?
Early action plans are similar to early decision plans in that you can learn
early in the admissions cycle whether a college has accepted you. But unlike
early decision plans, most early action plans are not binding. You do not
have to commit to a college if they’ve accepted you under an early action
plan.
Early Decision I And II
Yet another twist in the early decision route is early decision II. What is the
difference between early decision I and II? With early decision I, the
application deadline is usually around November 15. Early decision II has a
later deadline, usually around January 15. That gives you two more months too
make your decision. Also, with early decision II, you are still obligated to
attend the college if you are accepted.
The advantage of early decision II
is that you can use the later deadline to bring up low grades or SAT scores.
Also, if you find out that you have been rejected from your first choice school
through their early decision I program, you can then apply early decision to
another college through the early decision II program.
Who Should Apply Early Decision?
You should only apply to a school early decision if you are absolutely sure that
the school is your first choice. Once you are accepted, you can't change your
mind.
Advantages To Applying Early
You know how reliable statistics but they say that statistically, a higher
percentage of students are accepted to schools through early decision and early
action plans than through the normal application route. However, this doesn't
mean that if you apply early, you have a better chance of getting in. Students
who apply early are usually overachievers with top grades, high SAT scores, and
tons of extra-curricular activities. The real reason more students are accepted
early is because many of them are highly qualified. So while the statistics say
that you have a better chance of getting accepted through an early
decision program, keep in mind what those statistics really mean.
|
