I’m a high school junior and Minnesota is one of my top choices. I got a letter from the university saying that I should apply, and they waived my application fee. I want to apply so that I can get experience on college apps for next year, especially since it’s free, and I don’t need essays and teacher recs. However, I feel that if I actually get in this year and refuse to attend since I plan on graduating high school, it will blacklist me when I apply again next year. Or it might be possible that if I got accepted, they would defer my acceptance to next year, and I wouldn’t be able to apply again next year, when I would be a better candidate and might even be eligible for scholarships. Should I go ahead and apply even though it means nothing, or are my fears correct and I should hold off?
I usually don’t recommend early admission. The point of the application process is to choose a college that works for you. If you commit to a school, and you find out that it’s a lousy fit, you’re going to be miserable. Don’t take the bait. Take time to tour schools based on your interests and find an affordable one that works for you.
I am not planning to commit or attend or anything. I’m still a junior. I was just wondering whether if i applied for kicks because I don’t really have to do anything, and I got accepted, that refusing their offer would hurt my chances next year.
Your question is probably best discussed with you guidance counselor or an admissions counselor. If you’re applying just for kicks, you might want to hold off so the admissions team can work on applications for current seniors who plan on attending next fall.
I am not sure I understand the situation, but I think the most likely scenario is that UMinn thinks you are a senior and sent you the fee waiver in error.
As a high school diploma is required (in most instances) for matriculation as well as a certain number of high school courses in each core area, I doubt you meet the minimum requirements to be admitted. Certainly speak with your admissions counselor but I doubt an application would result in an admission, unless there is some special early admit program.
When I read this I assumed the exact same thing. It must have been a mistake of some kind, because I don’t see why someone would apply during their junior year.