Early Action
It's Decision Time for Early Applicants
Posted on Tue, 10/21/2014 - 11:59
We're pleased today to host Ingrid Hayes, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, to talk about applying early! Read on for Hayes' advice about what students should consider in applying early and her thoughts about whether or not applying early creates an advantage for students.
Attention seniors: Early admission deadlines are fast-approaching, and it’s time for you to make one of the first major decisions in the admissions process.
Applying early is a great option if you’re sure about which college you want to attend, but it’s critical for you to do your due diligence in researching colleges and visiting campuses before deciding to apply early.
Does applying early increase my chances of getting accepted?
In my 20 years of experience in admissions, I’ve noticed a lot of students assume an early plan will give them an advantage, especially if they feel that they’re closer to the lower end of the competitive profile for a school. Many national statistics show higher early acceptance rates and that may pique your interest to apply early. The question of “does applying early increase my chances of getting accepted?” is one that I get often, and the answer is yes and no depending on the school. Students should ask the school directly what might be the benefits of applying early.
Seniors: Do the Right Thing!
Posted on Mon, 12/16/2013 - 15:28
Seniors: Do the Right Thing!
For those of you who have applied under early action, rolling admission, or restrictive early action and been admitted -- Congratulations!
We now encourage you to do the right thing. If you know you will not enroll at some of the other colleges on your list, don’t apply to them. Go back through that original list and cross off those schools. Or, if you’ve already sent in your applications, let those colleges know your plans.
Don’t collect trophies in the form of admission letters from colleges you will never attend.
There are some exceptions to this rule. Some colleges very much want to make their case to you even if you have been admitted to another college under rolling admission, early action, or restrictive early action. If there are schools on your list you can still imagine you might attend, feel welcome to keep your options alive provided you are open to the case those colleges will make. And if you need to compare financial aid or merit scholarship awards, you will definitely want to proceed with applications to the other schools on your list.
As you can see, this isn’t simple. But matters of integrity rarely are. Think carefully, and for any school where you would just be collecting another acceptance letter, let that college know your decision as soon as possible so they can offer your seat to another student who wants to attend.
Early Notifications: What to do next if you're accepted, deferred or denied
Posted on Fri, 12/13/2013 - 09:03It's decision time for students who have applied early action (EA), early decision (ED) or restrictive early action (REA) with the news soon to arrive via email or snail mail. Once you receive your notification, there are still some steps to be taken. We've outlined these next steps for students under every scenario -- acceptance, deferral or denial.
Seniors: Questions you Should Be Asking if You're Thinking of Applying Early
Posted on Tue, 10/08/2013 - 14:35
If you are thinking of applying under an early action or early decision plan, we have some questions for you to consider as you decide what might be right for you. The more yes answers you can give, the more applying early might be your best approach.
If you’re considering early decision, start here and work your way through all the questions below:
• Of all the colleges on your list, is this the school where you would unquestionably enroll?
• Is your first-choice school an environment that fits you well, but also a place where you can change and grow?
• Have you felt the school where you are going to apply early decision is your first choice for more than a few days or weeks?
• Do you and your parents agree that if you are given a reasonable financial aid package, you will attend the school even if other colleges were to offer you stronger financial aid packages or a merit scholarship?
If you’re considering early action or restrictive early action, start here:
• Do your junior-year grades and classes support an early application, relative to the philosophyn and practice of the college to which you’re applying?
• Have you completed all standardized testing by October of your senior year?
Seniors: Does the early bird always catch the worm?
Posted on Mon, 09/30/2013 - 11:56
There can be a lot of pressure to apply early at this time of year -- from peers, parents and media. Students start thinking that they must apply NOW under an early action or early decision plan. Before you succumb to that pressure, spend some time understanding how decision plans really work, what the numbers in the headlines actually mean, and whether it's a good idea for you personally. Check out the Decision Plan Chapter Excerpt on the Book page here on the website to understand how your grades and scores could figure into a decision to apply early and benefit from the input on decision plans from the deans at Johns Hopkins, Drake University, and Northern Illinois University, as well as others.
2013 Colleges and Universities with Early Action Admission Plans
Posted on Wed, 08/14/2013 - 13:01
We're back today with high school counselor Cigus Vanni who for eighteen years has created and maintained a series of lists that are great tools for students -- and counselors. Earlier this week, we posted his list of 2013 Colleges and Universities with Binding Early Decision Plans. Today, we are featuring 2013 Colleges and Universities with Early Action Plans.
Laura Stewart, Ensworth School
Posted on Tue, 03/05/2013 - 10:13
Laura Stewart, our March Counselor of the Month, had both a unique opportunity and challenge when she joined the college counseling program at Ensworth School, an independent college preparatory high school in Nashville, Tennessee. For 46 years -- since 1958 -- the school had served only elementary and middle school students. Then, in August, 2004, Ensworth added grades 9 through 12, opening the new 127-acre Devon Farm campus one month after Stewart joined the school as Assistant Director of College Counseling.
Over the next five years, Stewart rose to become Director of College Counseling -- in 2009, one year after Ensworth School graduated its first senior class. As a result, she has had the opportunity to participate in building a counseling program where there were no preconceived ideas. As Director, she has been able to establish policies and procedures that reflect a philosophy with her own creative stamp and then watch the program grow. "It's hard for me to imagine being anywhere else because I've been so fortunate to get to do what I want," says Stewart.
Seniors: Do the Right Thing!
Posted on Tue, 12/18/2012 - 11:46
You have applied under early action, rolling admission, or restrictive early action and you’re in.
Congratulations!
We now encourage you to do the right thing. If you know you will not enroll at some of the other colleges on your list, don’t continue with your applications to them. Go back through that original list and cross off those schools. Or, if you’ve already sent in your applications, let those colleges know your plans.
Don’t collect trophies in the form of admission letters from colleges you will never attend.
Early Decisions: What to do next if you're accepted, deferred or denied
Posted on Thu, 12/13/2012 - 09:06
It's decision time for students who have applied early action (EA), early decision (ED) or restrictive early action (REA) with the news soon to arrive via email or snail mail. Once you receive your notification, there are still some steps to be taken. We've outlined these next steps for students under every scenario -- acceptance, deferral or denial.
Students admitted under early decision (ED), early action (EA), or restrictive early action (REA):
Congratulations! First let us say we're so happy you will have one more thing to celebrate over the holiday break! Once you catch your breath, here are some steps to take:
Early Action and Restrictive Early Action
EA and REA programs are nonbinding and students have until May 1 to inform the college whether they will enroll.
- If the EA or REA school where you have been admitted is your first choice, you may want to inform them of your intention to attend and withdraw any applications to the other schools on your list.
- If you are not sure you will attend the EA or REA school or your family will want to review and compare multiple financial aid awards, complete the applications to the other schools on your list. (See the note on financial aid later in this post.)
Early Decision
ED programs are binding and students must enroll if accepted.