Admissions Decision

There are four major plans used by colleges:

1. "Standard" procedure: Colleges receive applications and records by a prescribed deadline date (usually between January 1 and March 15). All applicants are notified at approximately the same time (traditionally April 1). Accepted applicants must reply by May 1, usually with a deposit if they accept the offer of admission. Deposit refund policies vary widely.

2. Rolling admission: Colleges using this plan usually notify applicants within four weeks of receiving all information. According to one plan, a deposit is expected from accepted students shortly after notification of acceptance. Other colleges subscribe to the traditional candidates' replay date of May 1, no matter how early they were accepted. It is important to note that though deadlines may be later, colleges will fill their incoming class on a "first come, first served" basis. Applying early is to your advantage.

3. Early decision: This is an alternate plan for a college using either of the plans above, but most commonly the traditional one. The applicant must have all information in early (the most frequently used deadline is November 1) and will be notified usually within four weeks. Early decision applicants are almost always asked to agree in writing to withdraw other applications if accepted at the early decision college. The agreement also usually stipulates that no other early decision applications may be made. It's clear that students should apply only to a definite first choice college on this plan. Please also note that all admissions testing must be completed earlier.

4. Early action: This is must like early decision but without the commitment. Application and notification dates are similar, but students need not sign agreements to withdraw other applications. Typically, only colleges very sure of their desirability, such as "Ivy League" colleges, offer this plan.

PROS AND CONS OF EARLY DECISION

Before Applying

Know the difference between Early Decision and Early Action.

Consider deadlines.

Understand decisions rendered--accept, defer, deny.

Be aware of binding nature of Early Decision acceptance.

Pros

• If college is definitely first choice (would attend even if accepted at other school), might be a good option.
• Obvious advantages:
•     --Less time spent preparing applications
•     --Less money spent in application fees
•     --If accepted, less stress. Students may spend senior year focusing on other things.
• Depending on the college and the strength of the Early Decision pool, student may stand a better chance of admission (not a sure thing, however).
• If student is deferred, that student will get a "second chance" when read again in the context of the Regular Decision pool.

Cons

• Decision to apply may be made in haste before a thorough college search has been conducted.
• College search should be completed before beginning of senior year.
• If accepted, other applications must be withdrawn.
• Application may be considered primarily on three years of work, possibly without senior grades, most recent standardized test scores, honors or awards received. May not be as strong as an application submitted later in the senior year.
• If financial aid is going to be a consideration, do not apply early. (If a student will be comparing financial aid packages and attending the school which awards the most aid.)
• If denied, other applications need to be submitted, sometimes quickly.

Remember

• Be thorough!
• Be cautious!
• Respect the binding nature of the Early Decision agreement!

CRITERIA FOR THE COLLEGE'S SELECTION

There are many variations in priority among colleges, depending largely on the ratio of acceptances to applications, i.e. selectivity. Those colleges who have the luxury of choosing only a portion of a large applicant pool generally rate factors in the following order:

Strength of the high school academic record: The strength of the academic program and your achievement in relation to that is the most important factor in admissions.

Admissions testing: The SAT I: Reasoning Test (or ACT, its counterpart used widely in the Midwest and Southwest) is often the secondary factor in the admissions decision. Good test scores can sometimes compensate partially for some weakness in the academic record (and vice versa). SAT II: Subject Tests (formerly called Achievement Tests) are often considered in the admissions process at competitive colleges. They may also be used for academic placement after students enroll. A few colleges have dropped requirements for testing altogether, but the number is too small to constitute a trend.

Essay: Like other secondary factors in the admissions process, an essay can tip the scale in your favor by exhibiting an interesting facet of your personality or "gift" for using words well. If an essay is optional, include one. Even when they option is not offered, admissions people often consider essays and other presentations submitted by the applicant.

Extra-curricular activities: If your activity record is spectacular--showing a high level of success in one area or more--it may well boost your chances of being admitted to college. A weak record will not be a handicap usually unless there are other glaring weaknesses in your record or you aspire to a most selective college.

Recommendations: Colleges rely heavily on strong and specific support from the school as expressed in the letter(s) written by the counselor and teachers.

YOUR CHOICES

Colleges may offer one of several responses to your application as a result of their review of your credentials.

Admission-obviously the best alternative: Choose the one you want, comply with their directions and timetable, and notify other colleges offering admission of your decision.

Admission to a branch campus (not your first choice of campus): Some large colleges such as the University of Connecticut and Penn State will give you this alternative, rather than a clear acceptance or rejection. You will be on the main campus normally within two years. You must decide whether you want to "stick it out" at the branch for that time. If you have not done so, and it is possible, visit the branch(es) if this school is high on your list.

Deferred: With early decision or early action, this means you will not know until the usual notification date. While it is not the best thing to have happen, many students on the deferred list are later accepted--don't be discouraged. Be sure to have another option.

Wait list: In effect, the college is telling you it feels you can handle the work there, but the competition level for admission was a little above you. If the letter seems to invite questions, call to find out where you are on the list (if it is ranked) and how many others share your situation. You may well hear words of encouragement. At this point it is probably best to accept another offer of admission. Most people would rather lose a $200 deposit than wind up with no college to attend in September.

Rejection-the worst alternative: If you have done a thorough job of choosing and sought advice, you most likely have a good "safety" school to fall back on.

Transfers: If you find that you have chosen a college that turns out to be different from your initial impression, or if you or your intended major have changed so much it cannot accommodate you, or even if you just do not like it, you may be able to transfer to another college. Depending on the number of college credits you have earned, your high school credentials may no longer be considered. Transfer applications are similar to freshman applications, though deadlines and standards may differ. So, too, may the consideration of the credits and grades from your original college. Be sure you know how they will be treated so you will be prepared in case you have to face probation or make up credits. The Career Center is available to graduates of PHS or any other town resident seeking help in transferring.