High school seniors across the country are working hard on college applications. In my home state, our flagship UNC Chapel Hill’s first deadline is less than two months away. Now is a good time to make sure that you understand the various admissions options, and the pros and cons of each.
Early Decision (ED)
This decision is binding, meaning that if a student is accepted, he/she agrees to withdraw all other applications. Students may only apply ED to ONE school. So why would a student consider applying ED? At some schools, including Duke University, applying ED significantly increases the odds of acceptance (16.7% v 7.6% in 2020). Some smaller, elite schools, including Bryn Mawr, Case Western Reserve, Johns Hopkins University and Wake Forest University, have instituted two ED deadlines, indicating the importance they place on the opportunity to select the students they want. Students who apply ED should expect to be notified quickly.
Early Action (EA)
For many, this is the ideal admissions option. Students who apply early have many benefits, including the potential for increased access to merit scholarships and honors programs, and more and more colleges are accepting the majority of students in the early action pool. Importantly, students who complete their applications early have a less stressful final semester of senior year. Finally, early applications get decisions sooner.
Regular Decision
Typically, this is the latest date by which an institution will accept applications. Students who feel that they will be more competitive for a college or university in light of first semester senior grades and later test scores may wish to submit applications later.
So, which admissions cycle is best? While the answer depends on the student, as a rule of thumb, I suggest getting those applications in early because:
ONE: It shows that you are serious
TWO: Many deadlines for Honors Programs coincide with the Early Admissions date
THREE: Merit scholarships and institutional aid are awarded based on pre-determined formulas. Once the money is gone, it’s gone
FOUR: Admissions notifications are sent early, reducing senior year stress
Look out next week for a list of schools with two ED deadlines.
For more information on which application cycle is best for you or your student, feel free to contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.
0 Comments