Why does their policy use the wording “respectfully request” that you not apply EA if you apply ED elsewhere. All other schools with restrictive EA policies make it VERY clear and “restrict” you from applying EA if ED elsewhere.
How should this be interpreted for Villanova?
that means in my opinion you can apply ed to another school but it’s a total jerk move
I like how @travisn10 put it… but to say it another way- many of the Catholic universities including 'Nova believe that ED is unfair to lower income students (so they will not adopt ED admissions themselves) but they also recognize that many desirable high stats kids want an early acceptance. In exchange for considering an EA application they would like the applicant to be free to enroll if accepted. That’s not possible if the applicant becomes bound ED at another school. This understanding is more of an honor code or promise than a contract. None of these schools are going to expend the resources to enforce this “gentlemen’s agreement” (as it used to be called) but the applicant who disregards the “respectful request” is showing a lack of character and integrity.
Understood. And that’s the way I interpret it as well. However I have also read many posts of CC students applying ED elsewhere and EA at Villanova. The only way to be considered for scholarship is to apply by 11/1 so it seems to put those with integrity at a huge disadvantage. Just seems the rules were fair and equal for all .So those without integrity get to apply for the scholarships while applying ED somewhere else?
You’re right, and I appreciate that asking a 17 year old to wrestle with this dilemma when navigating college admissions sucks. You sound like a good kid and your parents should be proud of you. Make your own choice. You can apply to as many other EA and rolling admissions schools as you want.
I believe this "restrictive"policy is new to Nova this year, so if you are reading posts from another year, that could partially explain it.
Ok that may explain some of the posts. Crazy that Nova put a new policy in place such where the rule for admission is different for students depending on how they interpret it. Really seems unfair. Why not make it truly restrictive like everyone else’s if that’s what they really want.
I agree… maybe your guidance counselor can ask for clarification? It’s really a problem if you are right about scholarship deadlines.
This is not new to Villanova at all. The top catholic/jesuit schools(Notre Dame, Georgetown, BC, Villanova) have always said apply EA anywhere else, but no ED. Its mostly on the principle that students should be allowed to choose where they go and ED creates a binding agreement. Just don’t apply EA to Villanova if you are EDing somewhere. I interpret the “respectfully request” the same was “recommended” is basically required for subject tests at other schools.
My older daughter applied EA last year-- 99% sure this is new for Nova this year. They also changed from deferring all students they didn’t accept to rejecting students in the EA round.
@classof2017 I understand the principle and that many schools have this policy. I just was surprised to see the different wording used for Villanova so I wanted to see what others thought of the policy. I wasn’t sure if people generally interpret it as a “request” or as a strict rule. The other schools make it extremely clear. Villanova does not.
Notre Dame
A student applying Restrictive Early Action to Notre Dame may apply to other Early Action programs.
A student applying Restrictive Early Action to Notre Dame may not apply to any college or university in their binding Early Decision program.
Georgetown
Students applying under the Early Action program may not apply to any binding Early Decision programs since they then would not be free to choose Georgetown if admitted.
Boston College
A student applying to a binding Early Decision program may not apply Early Action to Boston College.
Villanova
Candidates who apply Early Action to Villanova can apply to other Early Action programs, but we respectfully request that you not apply to an Early Decision program elsewhere.
Spoke to an admissions rep personally a couple of weeks ago. They have a new policy with this years applicant pool. There still is an EA policy but you can be rejected now. Prior to this year, if you were not accepted EA you were automatically deferred to RD. no longer happening. Admissions is getting more difficult. The admission rate for 2016 hasn’t been released yet. I’m sure it’s probably decreased from prior years. As mentioned above, don’t go by old posts from prior years. Call admissions for further clarification.
Thank you @pkchamp89 for the info on the new policy. I called the admissions office as well today. And the response was that “we ask” that you not apply EA if you apply ED.
They were also able to clarify that if you do submit the common app by 11/1 and check off “regular decision”, that you will still be considered eligible for the Villanova Scholarship that has an 11/1 deadline. You do not have to apply EA in order to be considered for that scholarship , but everything must be submitted by that earlier date.
@bluebird17 Glad you were able to clear it up. Thank you for the additional info. Good luck to you!