<p>"In considering whether a school might be a good bet for you, there are a few important caveats:
(1) Does the school offer Early Decision?" </p>
<p>Yes and I plan to apply ED. I heard that selective schools will sometimes lower their standards for ED applicants. Is this true?</p>
<p>(2) Keep in mind that the stats reported by almost every college are for ENROLLED students, not ADMITTED students. In truth, the stats of admitted students are probably lower than the stats for enrolled students reported. Every school aims to admit the best candidates it can and improve its overall stats---and they do so knowing that many of those best students will choose higher level schools. This is especially true for schools that top students may consider "safeties". What does this mean to you? It means, that if you find you are in the lower part of the median for the ENROLLED student figures reported, that your chances may very well be LESS than you think because you will be actually be compared to those higher level applicants." </p>
<p>All keep it in mind</p>
<p>(3) "As has already been mentioned, smaller schools - even "less selective schools" - often have other things besides grades and test scores that they focus on: make sure you know what those things are and how you fit. I know, for example, that Wabash places a HUGE emphasis on demonstrated leadership and also on candidate intangibles like character so recommendations, essays and interviews are much more important there than their stats might indicate."</p>
<p>How did you find that out?</p>
<p>(4) Is the school fully need blind in admissions? If not, will you need significant financial aid?" </p>
<p>I'll check. </p>
<p>"That can be a deadly combination if your stats fall in the lower range for the school unless you are bringing something special to the table."</p>
<p>such as?? I mean, I play the trumpet, Marching Band, </p>
<p>More importantly, if you need significant financial aid, does the school guarantee to meet all need? Some schools that are "less selective" have high admissions rates but paltry financial aid packages. NO school is truly a "good bet" (or safety if you will) if you can't afford to go there"</p>
<p>I'll look into that.</p>