Hello. I have a question which I may already have the answer to, I just need advice. I plan on applying early decision to a pretty selective school, not Ivy League caliber, but really good, and my odds of getting in are very good. Should I apply to multiple schools as backups in case I, for whatever reason, don’t get in? I’d know if I’m accepted or rejected before the deadlines for other schools, but it would be late in the application process and that might hurt me. I’d know for sure by December 15, and the other deadlines are in January, just to clarify. It would help a lot saving money from application fees, so I really am hesitant to apply, but I don’t want to be put at a significant disadvantage if I’m denied. Thoughts? Thank you!
You won’t have to apply if you get in ED (and thus won’t have to waste $), but you should at least write the bulk of your applications so you aren’t left scrambling and rushed at the last minute. @RLindemann98
Sounds good. Much appreciated @marvin100 !!
@marvin100 is spot on. The only thing I’d add is that you should be ready in all respects to push the send button for your other applications – especially any that involve your GC or CC – as that’s right around the holidays, and they may not be as available as you’d like then.
If you are asking whether getting your other applications in before the deadline on Jan 1 would improve your chances of getting in, the answer is no. Should you have to have your transcripts, letters of rec and test scores ready to go before then? Ideally yes, so you aren’t in a sweat if they don’t arrive on by the deadline (most schools will cut you some slack if your application is in on time but the other stuff is a few days late).
So, bottom line, wait until Dec 15th to see what happens. But be ready on Dec 16 to get the test scores, recs and transcripts out the door for the other schools and not wait until Jan 1. Then focus on your applications for the last two weeks of the year (hopefully all you’ll have left is a few ‘why this school’ essays to polish up.)
One bit of advice. Who is your safety? If you are not full pay, many public schools with high merit aid have deadlines in November for scholarships. You may be able to apply before Jan 1 for acceptance but miss out on merit aid.
You don’t need to submit the backup applications prior to hearing back about your ED application except in a few instances perhaps. For example, here in Texas they advise to submit applications to UT-Austin and A&M if those are being considered at all by the student because they have rolling admissions and it can be difficult to get your preferred major if you apply later in the process. It sounds like you’re applying to more elite schools but I thought I would give that example just in case.
Also, if you get at least one acceptance letter back whether it’s from a rolling admission or an EA it’s a really nice feeling. It helps reduce the stress level in case of deferral. So maybe submit one or two other applications, but not so many that you feel like you’ve wasted money on applications.
P. S. Just read Sportsman88’s post, he makes an excellent point. That is also true of some private colleges as well.
At our public high school seniors must put in the request for the guidance department to send the transcript and recommendations in early December (2 weeks prior to the start of winter break) for Jan 1 deadlines. Since school doesn’t start again until after Jan 1, requests also for Jan 15 deadlines must be made prior to hearing back from most ED schools. Exceptions are made for exceptional cases only. We pay per transcript too. So there is no choice here to wait out that part of it. But obviously the essays, scores and application fees can be submitted directly by the applicant closer to the deadline.
Have your other apps ready to go, and don’t miss any key deadlines (scholarship or application dates). If you are applying fo FA, you want to still submit apps to other schools if you have not seen the FA package for your ED school and confirmed that it works for you. You do not need to withdraw your other apps until you have seen your FA package and confirmed it is good.
Now you have a couple of responsibilities that go with that – meet the ED FA paperwork dates, and run the net price calculator in the school website prior to applying to make sure the FA appears to be in the ballpark for you.
I generally agree. My D did apply to a one EA and one rolling admission school as well as her ED school – the idea was that she would have one or two early acceptances in case the ED school did not work out. The supplements for her other RD applications were about 90% complete. Fortunately she got in to her ED school and we never had to submit the bulk of her applications.