An Early Decision Dilemma
Friday, September 28th, 2007
As we head into the college application season, more and more families are wrestling with questions about how to apply, when to apply and which form to use. Some are also getting to the point where Early Decision looms as a real possibility. This is a topic that will get a fair amount of treatment in this space as well as the The College Planning Newsletter in the coming months. The “Getting In” (November 20) track of the Straight Talk About College Admission teleseminar series will feature a discussion of Early Decision as well. Go to www.theadmissiongame.com/college_planning_teleseminars.php for more information about signing up.
Today, however, I would to replay an email exchange I had with a parent earlier in the week regarding the feasibility of Early Decision as the circumstances and the question posed may be similar to those experienced by many others. Here is the question:
“My daughter is applying to “College X”. It is her first choice school. Her SAT scores and GPA far surpass the college’s average for admitted students and we will not be applying for Financial Aid. Both ED [Early Decision] and EA [Early Action] are offered and both have the same deadline - 11/15. My daughter expressed strong interest in ED as a way to ease the anxiety faster as the “let know” date is 12/15. I think this college would be more likely to offer her a Merit Scholarship under EA, to attract her to “choose them”. The “let know” date for EA is “late January”. Do you think my idea re: the EA/scholarship money has any merit? Please let me know what you would do in this situation - ED or EA?”
It should be noted that ED (Early Decision) represents a binding commitment for students seeking an early response from colleges. ED candidates are promising to enroll if admitted. EA (Early Action) is another opportunity for students to apply for and receive and early notification from some colleges, however, they are not committed to enroll if accepted. And now for my response.
“The dilemma you describe is certainly a happy one. Fortunately, I think the solution is fairly straightforward and it rests on your family’s priorities. If “getting in” and putting the process behind her is of paramount importance, then ED is the route to go. On the other hand, if getting a merit award is the priority, then your solution — or even applying Regular Decision — may be advantageous.
The fact that you apparently do not need financial aid is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, you presumably have the resources to support your daughter’s educational costs. On the other, it sounds like you would still welcome an easement to the cash flow demands that tuition payments will place on you. If you can manage the finances, though, I would not try to impose the EA strategy. If you do and it doesn’t work (she doesn’t get in, or she doesn’t get a scholarship), guess who will be to blame as the misery of an interminable winter wears on!
As you decide on the ED/EA question don’t be too quick to make assumptions. The fact that her credentials seem to “far surpass” the college’s average is neither a guarantee of admission nor an indication that she will receive a merit award if admitted. Unless someone at the college has mentioned the possibility, you should assume that a scholarship will not be in the picture and then be happily surprised if one falls out of the sky!
Finally, if she does opt for ED, remind her that she doesn’t get a free pass on the balance of the year academically. College X is among the schools that will watch second semester senior year performances very carefully.”
Please feel free to send your questions to me at Peter@TheAdmissionGame.com. I will only post them here with your permission.
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