HS not accomodating applications before deadlines

Applying to College
1

My D and I had worked out a schedule for when she was going to apply to all her schools. She was going to do two rolling applications in Sept. (one to her safety) just to get those acceptances in and take the pressure off. She was going to apply to her EA schools mostly in October, even though EA dates are Nov 1, and Nov 15 for the schools, because she wanted to emphasize her interest.

But then she ran into her school guidance department. First, they don’t even have transcripts ready to send yet. They aren’t sure when they will be ready. So even though she has requested transcripts for several schools, we have no idea when they will actually be sent. She asked about the two rolling apps, and was told not to worry because there was no deadline and they will be sent “sometime in the next month.” So much for getting the apps in early.

Second, they are completely stuck on deadlines. If she says she is applying EA in Naviance, the EA date shows up, and that is the date that the guidance dept uses. So if the school you are applying to has a Nov 15 deadline, they will send your transcript and recommendations just in time for the deadline. They will only send things in early if there is some sort of extenuating circumstances. They won’t do it just because you want to.

Is this common for guidance depts in large public high schools? Has anyone ever heard of this type of response from guidance?

2

That is what you are stuck with in a large high school. It won’t make any difference in her chances, honestly. Unless there is some kind of deadline for scholarships that precedes the formal deadlines, it just results in a longer wait for her.

3

I don’t know about the rolling admissions schools…I would assume that submission dates make a difference there and would hope the HS would accommodate that.

But for the EA schools, she can still turn in her application before the deadline. I don’t know if that will “emphasize her interest” as she hopes, but assuming it does, it should still do so even if the school hasn’t sent in transcripts until later. She doesn’t have control of the HS and I’m sure the colleges know that.

4

My D’s school has a 3 weeks in advance requirement.and they will only submit the forms and transcripts after you have submitted the application. In that school, each GC takes care of well over 100 senior students. They have to set up some policy or all students may wait till the last minute to submit application. In your case, I guess the GC would have more flexibility to prioritize the work according to the deadline and their schedule (not your schedule).