On the Boston College part of the common app, after I’ve selected to do EA it says “Students applying to Boston College under Early Action are free to apply to other Early Action and Regular Decision programs. However, Boston College requests that students applying to a binding Early Decision program not apply to our Early Action program.” Why? and what happens if I ignore it and still apply ED somewhere else?
“Why?”
The reason, which BC used to post on their website, is essentially this: 1) by applying Early, BC gives you a decision by late December. (Primary benefit to you.) 2) But, if you apply ED somewhere else, and are accepted there, you are then not eligible to accept BC’s offer. (Benefit all to you.)
So, the quid pro quo is that if BC accepts you, they therefore have a chance to earn your deposit by May 1. And they can only do that if you don’t apply ED.
If you ignore, (not sure Common App will allow another app, but even so), suggest that you reconsider your app to BC. The school has a strong philosophy dept, Jesuit ethos and student ethics are considered part of the deal.
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Why? and what happens if I ignore it and still apply ED somewhere else?
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You’re only as good as your word.
Do you think the admissions department will want you if you cheat on this?
If you plan to pull this off, are you really going to drag your parents and guidance counselor(s) into signing multiple binding agreements?
If you really want to do this, it makes me wonder why you even want to apply to BC.
Whatever college you are admitted to, I suggest you take a course on ethics.
And make no mistake about it, although not publicized, many schools who get common “cross applicants” are in some unofficial lines of communications. You will only create a problem for yourself and future applicants from your high school. “When in doubt take the high road, its less traveled.”