There’s a reason why IECs work with students on their essays during the summer: things change quickly in college admissions, and students who prepare ahead of time experience considerably less stress in the process as these changes unfold.
Some colleges and universities quietly eliminated Early Action from their application options. Students must choose from Early Decision or Regular Decision as their only two options.
Some colleges and universities that retained Early Action moved their Early Action deadline to October 15th, and others moved their Early Decision to October 15, catching many students off guard and unprepared.
Many students who are faced with Early Decision or Regular Decision (if Early Action is eliminated) will be forced to apply Regular Decision to schools that are quite high on their list; but if colleges and universities fill the majority of their freshman class in ED, those students could miss out on acceptance and/or financial aid or both.
Not all state schools offer an Early Decision option, and many state schools are notorious for waitlisting applicants.
Strategically, students need to be conscious of the constant flux that is the college admissions process.
High school seniors: Submit your financial aid applications promptly, as the availability of resources and allocation of funds will likely be determined by the first application pool.
Don’t stop communicating with your admissions counselor if you’ve already started; if you haven’t started, do so. As soon as your midterm grades come out, write to your admissions counselor. Advocate for yourself. Continue the conversation.
High school juniors take note: Things change quickly in college admissions. The business of higher education is constantly changing. You’re now just one year away from college applications. College isn’t two years from now; the deadlines are inside 365 days, and the clock turns quickly.
Parents and students, if you have questions, concerns, or feedback, let us know.
