In this week’s blog, I will discuss ways that can help students decide if applying early is the right thing for them, how to prepare for the process and lastly I will outline the timeline that the student will follow when applying under the early action or the early decision admission plans.
Families and students first need to decide if applying early is the right for the student. There is good reason to apply under early decision if the student is certain that he will attend upon acceptance as the process is binding. The student should rate the college as his first choice if he plans to apply early decision.
Many colleges offer early action admission programs that aren’t binding. These plans allow students to apply early to other colleges and to apply under regular admission as well. If a student identifies a school as a top choice and the school offers early action he should apply.
If a family is in need of comparing financial aid packages from different schools or a student needs to demonstrate academic work during the senior year, he should not consider applying under early admission plans.
The timeline for early application begins during the junior year. Students should research and develop a rated list of colleges. Rating a list of preferred colleges will be helpful to the student so that the applications can be prioritized. When rating a school, students should consider the application processes offered, the family budget, the likelihood of acceptance based on requirements and how well the school meets and exceeds their expectations. Guidance counselors can help with this. Students will need to research the admission processes at each school and the specific requirements needed for application. If needed, students can call college admission offices and discuss any questions that arise.
Between January and May of the junior year, the student should register for and take college admission tests such as the SAT and the ACT. College bound students and their families should take advantage of the spring break and visit those colleges that are of interest.
From May to June students should take the SAT subject tests. These tests work to highlight knowledge in specific subject matter. These subject tests can have a positive influence on the application especially if a student is applying under a certain academic major. Students should continue to work hard academically.
The summer is a great time to spend getting organized while revisiting colleges. The college essay can be worked on, interviews on college campuses can be arranged if offered and a list of back up schools should be generated. The need for back up schools is important. A student does not want to be left without viable options. These schools may not have been the top choices but they are institutions that the student is interested in and could see himself at.
Students can also use the summer to gain more extracurricular experience that can be noted on applications. Students can also seek private scholarship applications, work on their high school resume which highlights accomplishments and if required complete writing samples or portfolios. If the student is an athlete he can use this time to contact the athletic coach at the colleges of interest.
During the start of the senior year, students should be filing their college applications with respect to early deadlines. They should also be getting their recommendations completed. If a student needs to retake the SAT, October is the last test date that scores can be used from for early action or early decision admission programs. Students will need to register for and file the CSS Financial aid profile as well as any other financial aid forms by November 15th.
The month of November is the time when students will file the early action or early decision applications according to the college deadlines and requirements. Students should make certain that they have their completed recommendations. Students should use this time to complete regular decision applications as well. It is smart to do this in case the student isn’t accepted under the early admission programs.
Lastly, students should be notified of admission decisions by December 15th. It is important for seniors to continue their hard work as colleges have the right to rescind admission offers should they see a decrease in academics. Seniors should remain focused and open-minded as the applications are made and as they learn of the admission decisions. Students will choose a school that is a good match offering growth and opportunity. College is about the academic, social and human experience and will be what a student makes of it.