I just read through a very informative closed discussion entitled something like Early Decision – a different view. Don’t know how to link it to this thread.
So my D will not be doing ED cause:
Either she is going to a LAC which she loves (she hopes)
or
She is getting into an auction based program which does not do ED.
Her preference right now would be the audition based program. Everyone including her guidance counselor is pressuring her to do ED.
I say she should wait and let things sort themselves out.
If one of goals of ED from the college viewpoint is known applicant interest – do you think applying RD but getting the application in by ED date will let her small liberal arts college feel the love? That she isn’t applying ED anywhere? That in that world of colleges they are #1?
Am I overthinking this?
Also can the adults dealing with our Seniors stop scaring them and instead let them know that they will get in to some great college and get an education and experience that they crave? The school guidance counselor added to anxiety yesterday instead of easing the path…
@123Mimi There is definitely a lot of pressure out there. I don’t think submitting an RD app will show the same love as an ED app even if it’s submitted early. My advice is only apply to an ED school if your D absolutely has to and wants to go a particular college. Otherwise, applying EA or RD allows your D to see all merit awards she may be offered.
IMO ED should not be used unless: 1) an applicant has a definitive top choice that has an ED option and 2) there is no need to compare financial offers between schools.
That said, ED typically does have a benefit for admissions particularly for LACs some of which take close to have their class ED. I don’t think getting the application in early and not applying ED will “show the love” to LACs as they are really looking for that commitment to attend from ED applicants. However your D can try to make her high level of interest in the school known in other ways (ex. through her supplemental essay, interview, etc.).
One suggestion might be to find one or two rolling or non-binding EA schools your D likes (even if they are not her top choices) and have her apply to those early hoping to get an acceptance by December. That might help everyone (including her guidance counselor) to relax a bit.
Thanks. I agree that my task is now her help identify an EA school that she likes and then everyone can relax a bit. She really liked UMass Amherest and it has EA. That may be the best way forward for us. Her season of college stuff will linger into auditions in 2018 and getting an acceptance in hand would be a huge relief.
I have to see what other choices there are for EA. Also, I need to figure out: can you apply to more than one school EA?
Agree with the above - usually one can apply to as many EA schools as he/she likes but definitely check the rules of each college your D wants to apply to. Some (generally top tier) schools have Restricted or Single Choice Early Action. Generally one can apply to rolling admission schools without limitation but again, check the rules of each college on your daughter’s list…