My child was accepted EA in January and was initially extremely excited and it was at the top of the list. However, the fact that Nova does not give accepted EA students information about merit or financial aid until mid March has caused the school to lose its appeal as we have been cautious about getting our hopes up in case the money doesn’t work out. We cannot even consider attending until we know what the financials will look like. We may as well have applied regular decision. I’m not sure if they realize how much this is working against them. Unless a family can comfortably afford full tuition, cost of attendance is right near the top of the list when making decisions. We are fortunate to have a lot of great options available to us that provided at least preliminary merit and aid information. I don’t understand how they think making students wait 2 months after acceptance is a good idea. If similar tier institutions can get this information out to students, I don’t understand why Nova cannot.
Agreed and have heard this from other parents as well. It’s too bad they can’t coordinate the financial piece a little better.
I’m in the same situation. Been waiting anxiously for my aid package and Villanova is my #1 school. If the money doesn’t work out, I don’t know what I will do.
I don’t understand why Villanova can’t get its act together. My son was accepted at another school EA, and he received his merit/financial aid package the same day.
I understand your frustration. My son was admitted regular decision and it was torture waiting for the decision. In our case, the financial aid package was given at the same time.
I doubt Villanova will change their process anytime soon. Supply/demand factors weigh heavily in their favor. Last year they received 21200 applications for 1670 slots…an 8% admission rate. Apparently the National Championship in men’s basketball spiked interest in the school.
It’s a wonderful school and we are so grateful our son is there. Hang in…just a another week or so and you’ll have your answer!
Actually, their admission rate was not 8% or close to that. Out of those 21,200 applicants, about 40% (or 8000) were admitted and, of those, about 20% enrolled.
Thanks @Riviera2016 for the clarification.
Villanova also received more applications by its new status with US News as a National University rather than as a Regional University. Also, one lesser known ranking listed Villanova’s business school as #1.
Villanova’s acceptance rate USED to be in the 40’s%. In 2016 was 43.5% but then the schools for various reasons became more popular and in 2017 the rate dropped to 35.9%. No idea what it will be this year as it will be announced later this year. There are a few schools that have seen dramatic decreases the last couple of years one of them being Skidmore.
My child accepted EA, will we receive our financial package when the RD kids find out if they have been admitted ??
This is frustrating, as you all know !