@collegemomjam regarding other schools going to ED, Notre Dame will never “cave” because they don’t need to. With their REA and RD application options, they had a 57.4 percent yield rate last year…and that rate has been either flat or rising over the years. By and large, ND tends to be a first choice for many, whereas schools like Villanova would be a safety or target for top students. You will never see ND go ED. Never.
I will add that I am disappointed that BC is going to ED. Many students who apply to BC also apply to Notre Dame REA. BC is usually the students’ second choice after Notre Dame, but now in order for students to apply REA to Notre Dame, they will have to apply RD for BC, which really limits their chances for admission. The other option is to do ED for BC and RD for Notre Dame, but that is not ideal for the high achieving student who could potentially gain admission to Notre Dame. Very disappointing…I would think they would at least offer an EA option instead of the ED2.
I was surprised @WineLover as well about BC only because i actually once talked to an admissions counselor about it and they said they wouldn’t change. So this is why I feel that eventually, ND and Georgetown may feel the hit from this…Georgetown had a lower acceptance rate this cycle BUT less applications and in their letter in their newspaper the director of admissions attributed it directly to the increase in ED options at other schools. So they are noticing what’s going on…(Georgetown has lots of things it could do first, btw, such as switch to common app, take the 3 subject test “recommendation” away, go with score choice (all things ND does), and also they could both remove the restricted EA. That may be the first test and then take it from there. That’s what BC did and their applications ED SOARED!!!
FWIW, I would bet both BC and Notre Dame and Georgetown lost some early applicants when Villanova went ED. BC would logically be the next to do it…and because while these schools vary a little in selectivity, there are some kids that just prefer one over the other for reasons other than ranking/prestige (and they are arguably all close). I know kids at Vilanova that got into ND and Georgetown and BC…I know kids at BC that got in to ND and Georgetown…My daughter is at Georgetown and has two friends that didn’t get in to BC. Someone might want Boston, or whatever. And they ALL have very strong business programs…BC is now a target for Goldman, and maybe Villanova will be soon, who knows…they are all solid choices so when someone sees they could maybe have a bit of an easier time getting in ED, they may just pull the trigger. My son has all four on his list (he’s a junior)…let’s see what he decides to do next year. It’s going to be a tough decision. I don’t see him going ED at Villanova though…I just don’t think it is his favorite.
@collegemomjam I agree that if anything, ND and GT would remove restricted and just go EA before moving to ED. I do think, however, if Georgetown went to the common app, they might see their yield rates drop. I think their current 50% yield rate is most likely due to the hoops kids must jump through to apply. My son didn’t like Georgetown and did not apply, but might have if they were using the common app. Notre Dame seems to be doing just fine with their current admissions structure…their apps for REA were up 17% this year. We’ll have to see how it all pans out…and things will certainly be interesting next year!
The “SAINT AUGUSTINE SCHOLARSHIP” is a wonderful scholarship offered to many worthy applicants. Unfortunately it has to be limited to 80 individuals.
“In keeping with the Augustinian tradition of living and learning in a community united in mind and heart, Villanova will offer its most outstanding applicants (based on exemplary academic achievement in a very rigorous curriculum with correspondingly high standardized test scores) this merit-based award. Candidates will also embody the ideals emblazoned on the University seal: Veritas, Unitas, Caritas (Truth, Unity, Love) through their extracurricular involvement and life experiences.”
Let’s hope each recipient holds these values close throughout their lives.
Yes, we will see. I think Georgetown is predicting that RD applications will go up (I guess the kids that don’t get their ED schools?). I agree that they may get more applicants that aren’t quite as interested which might negatively impact yield, but I think their overall acceptance rate would go down (which might be more important?) if they went common ap, and some of those kids may end up going. Not everyone has a number one choice (one of the reasons it’s hard to pull the trigger on ED, aside from financial aid)…but if it’s easier to apply to a school that’s on your list if they are on Common Ap, you may just try and if you get in, you may end up going.
I bet there are a lot of kids that plan on applying to Georgetown but find the application cumbersome or just don’t have the energy to do a separate application, so they end up not doing it. And I bet a fair amount of them would consider going if they got in.
I wish all schools were on the same plan and application platform or on none at all. I think this would end up helping students the most because there would be more transparency and students would be able to assess their chances better. But it keeps getting more and more complicated.
The St. Augustine Scholarship essay is to be no more than one page in length. Does that mean single space or double space? Instructions don’t give a word count.
To those of you who did the Villanova Presidential Scholarship application. Has anyone heard anything about whether or not they have been advanced to the interviewing stage? It says that by the end of January (within the next two days) we should hear of our status. I’m not sure if maybe some were already notified and then others just wait until January 31 to be denied of it. Thanks!
Someone from my school called on Monday and they told her that all applicants would be notified (via email and portal update) today or tomorrow. Last year portals were updated at around Noon. Good luck everyone.
I’m sorry @sandy8 - did he get asked for St. Augustine or any other kind of scholarship? My son did not apply Presidential, did not know about it at the time and I had hoped he might get a St. Augustine invitation, but unfortunately not.
They will come out when Regular decisions are released which on their website says by April 1, but in the past its been anywhere from March 20-23. Good Luck! @12345hii
ACT: N/A
SAT: 1560
GPA: 4.2296 (weighted)
Rank: N/A
Rigor (APs/honors):
9th grade - all honors except one class
10th grade - all honors
11th grade - 3 APs, the rest honors
12th grade - 5 APs, the rest honors
Extras:
violin for ten years. district orchestra, youth orchestra, school orchestra
karate for five years. black belt
won the regional round of a neuroscience competition
various science-related clubs
paid internships at a dental office and an art gallery
NHS
State Residency: PA
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Female
Applied date: 10/30/18
Decision date: 1/11/19
Decision/College: Accepted EA to College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Honors Program
Major: Psychology
Did not move on to the finalist round of the Presidential Scholarship
