My son really liked RIT but is not sure enough to go Early Decision. Is there NO ability to apply if he’s not sure? When comparing apples to apples, I think he’d choose RIT but he’s not in that position yet, ykwim? I’m feeling sad that he won’t be able to apply there since he’s not 100% sure. Am I the only parent feeling disappointed in RIT’s application process?
Why would he not just apply regular Decision. They also offer two ED’s as well, so if he his not sure now, he has until January 1st I believe. Where do you believe that you can only apply ED?
It’s my understanding that there’s no ability to apply at any time without committing if accepted (ie, “X Decision”, whether it’s early or regular). Is this wrong? I’ve been through the college application process before but I’m finding this year’s application process, with all the different application mechanisms, deadlines and commitments, very confusing. Thank you.
I think you are misunderstanding something. RD is not binding. They also have their “friendly” ED where you can still change your mind and move to RD…http://www.rit.edu/emcs/admissions/apply/freshman/how-to-apply/early-decision
Thank you. I did read through that but I still don’t understand what “friendly” means-under what conditions can you say no? My son’s school will withdraw all other applications if he’s accepted somewhere as ED (or, presumably RD). If it’s only for financial reasons and it turns out that finances aren’t the issue but he decides that he likes another school/package more, can he say no? He really liked RIT when we visited but he’s not 100% sure and I think he’s going to want to look at his acceptances and decide then. Whether his school would withdraw all other applications if/when he’s accepted ED at RIT is another issue.
Seems pretty straightforward to me – he should not apply ED to RIT if he isn’t positive that it is his #1 school. Let him apply under the RD option.
And FWIW, the provisions of RIT’s “friendly” ED policy are described in detail on the school website.
@happy1 what I see is that he can be released if it’s not affordable or if he’s accepted into a second choice program. What else am I missing that makes it different and more friendly? I really am trying to understand. And is RD and different? The word “Decision” after Regular still sounds binding to me. ?
Regular decision is not binding at all. RD plans allow students to apply to as many colleges as they choose, look at the financial awards from different colleges, and make a decision and and put in a deposit in at one college by May 1.
I think you are still mixing up ED and RD. There was an email that went out this week for ED and perhaps that is what is confusing you. You can apply 3 different ways/times to RIT.
ED1 (early decision)
ED2 (same as #1 just later dates)
RD (regular decision)
While both ED1 and ED2 are “friendly” ED’s, they do require the student and parent to sign a contract that yes RIT is their students first choice and that unless the financials or the major placement doesn’t work for them they agree to enroll or agree to ask to move their application to RD.
RD is NOT binding in anyway. The student has to “decide” by 5/1 whether to attend or not, whereas the dates are much earlier for the ED rounds. It is only binding once you actually accept the offer and pay your deposit and even then, you can still pull out, you just might lose the deposit depending on when that is.