safety, match, reach, high reach

Parents Forum
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I wonder what stops the more competitive colleges from doing rolling admissions. If all colleges did rolling admissions, you would have a lot of kids applying to the top colleges first, then when they get rejected in 4 weeks, they could really get serious about targetting the less 'reachy' ones.

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<p>That's what Early Decision is all about. It efficiently matches up the most serious, enthusiastic applicants at each school. It's a win/win for the students who are accepted (and the school). Those who are not accepted Early Decision have time to drop back and recalibrate their strategy as required.</p>

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<p>I hope I didn't offend you either. I helped my son in all kinds of ways, including helping him to generate a list to visit. I think most kids can use help with this. I never felt like I was helicoptering--or almost never. When he was writing his apps I got a little squirrelly and when he was waiting for acceptances, I was a basket case, but other than that just a helpful Mom. You'll be glad (and I think he will too) that you're starting the exploration process so early.</p>

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<p>bethievt: No offense taken--I appreciated hearing your viewpoint on my question. When a kid has no guidance from his school, I'm just not understanding the idea that they should be thrown the "College Handbook" and told to sort it out. My husband and I were both first generation college students. I remember going to the library, picking out three schools not too far from home that I thought my Dad could afford, and that was that. My husband had a similar experience. I'm aware it's possible to go overboard, but I sure think it's part of a parent's responsibility to be somewhat involved in the process, especially considering the exorbitant cost of college now.</p>

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<p>Except that ED is binding and you can only apply to one college at a time.</p>

<p>What I'm envisioning is a system where you can send in an application anytime, they look at it and quickly reject, defer, or accept. I bet the top colleges could let 50% of their applicants know immediately that they don't stand a chance. They could probably also let their top 2% applicants know immediately that they are in. Both would be a big help to students. </p>

<p>But I guess I'm naive to think that colleges want to make it easier on students.</p>

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<p>A safer school that would meet his guidelines would be Goucher in MD. It has EA, so your son would likely have an early yes with merit $$. Very international in focus.</p>

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<p>^^Great, will look into it. Thanks!</p>