What kind of student should NOT apply early action? At first glance, it seems like a no-brainer. If a school offers it, you should do it–It’s not binding, and gives you a leg up in admissions… right? Assuming you can get your application in order by November, are there any down sides to applying EA? Specifically for a student with excellent stats, 4.0 unweighted, 36 ACT, 9 AP’s, national writing awards, national merit semifinalist (has a 223 so assuming it will be the case) good volunteer/EC’s (captain of varsity sport, editor of literary magazine.) She is not interested in applying to ivy’s but IS trying to get a good sized merit scholarship to a competitive private. Will her chances be higher if she applies EA?
The student who was a late bloomer and who would benefit from having colleges see they’ve turned it around may benefit from waiting. In your case, do it! In addition to being in the pool for merit, you’ll also have the peace of mind that having acceptances in hand provides.
With these stats, applying EA is a no brainier, especially if the student demonstrated interest this summer through emails to admissions or filling out the request info form.
It wouldn’t make sense for a student who messed up junior year or whose scores arenmt quite what they should be.
Ok. Just wasn’t sure about the merit scholarships… If they only give out a few, waiting to see what the RD applicants look like. Thank you!
The only drawback is that it will be a little stressful around mid-December and you only have that one or two colleges to focus all that stress on, so in that sense be realistic and not get too high or too low. Your daughter is a strong applicant so she won’t get rejected, just plan for deferred, and hope for acceptance, as they say.
In RD your focus is spread out so if you do get rejected you typically have some acceptances to balance it out. Good luck!
Many of the schools my kids applied to that offered merit scholarships required applications be in by the EA deadline - to be considered for merit money, so be sure to check scholarship deadlines for each school.
Also look to see if schools require separate applications for merit money. Some schools require a nomination form be completed (such as the Presidential scholarship at Villanova or some of the full-ride+ scholarships at Centre). Others have separate forms to apply for Honors programs, which may come with additional merit $$. Others have competitive scholarships that may require separate forms (Elon Fellows) or which may be by invitation only. Some don’t require anything beyond applying by a certain date.
Thank you! That is a good reminder! This will be a busy few months for sure.
USC- U of Southern Calif- requires applicants submit their applications by Dec 1 in order to be eligible for Merit scholarship consideration.
Applying early to USC does NOT preclude students from submitting early applications elsewhere, including applications to SCEA U’s. .