As the holiday season approaches college-bound seniors, who have demonstrated enthusiasm, thoroughness and efficiency by getting their college applications in the early application cycle, may find good news in their mailboxes, online or on paper. Early Action admission decisions have arrived! And “rolling admissions” responses often arrive within four to six weeks after the completed application is submitted.
Unlike Early Decision, which requires a binding commitment to a first-choice school, seniors admitted Early Action can take their time to review their college options, all the way to the May 1st deposit deadline.
Early acceptances are good measures of a senior’s standing in the admissions process. Admitted students should take advantage of these early notices to research options, this time as an accepted applicant. Students, who applied to a first choice school early and were accepted, should take the available time to confirm that the college really is their true top pick. Students lucky enough to have a choice between two or more great options, should compare and confirm which one is the best match for you. If the schools that received your early applications are ones lower down on your list, it is still a good idea to research them thoroughly while waiting for other decisions to arrive.
Some tips to help compare and confirm college choices:
What about denials, with no acceptances in hand by December 30th?
Don’t despair. If you applied regular decision, other responses will arrive in the New Year. Do well on your final exams and prepare to send mid-year grades to schools that have not yet made a decision. If you feel you have shot too high as evidenced by your early results, reevaluate your college list and consider options that you left out of the mix before. Early admission and rolling admissions give families more time to make more informed decision. Use that time wisely to make a more informed decision about the exciting college journey that awaits you next year!
Published on Danville/SanRamon Express Blog: (view post)