AJC.com > Blogs > Get Schooled > Archives > 2006 > September > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEarly Decision: Good or Bad
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An education consultant called me yesterday to talk about controversy over whether colleges should have an early decision process. Students can find out much earlier in their senior year whether their favorite college wants them. In some cases, the student must commit to attend the college if it accepts him or her early. In other cases, the student does not promise to attend even with an early acceptance.
I know the college application landscape is littered with applications these days. Students apply to tons of colleges - sometimes a dozen or more - out of fear they won’t get in anywhere.
The education consultant favors early admission, because he says it allows students to know sooner where they are going to college and then to focus on academics and extra-curriculars during their senior year without stressing about college prospects. Also, it gives parents and students more time to get their financial aid squared away.
On the con side, a policy wonk weighs in saying early admissions favors white, wealthy students who can commit to a school early without comparing various financial aid packages. Students sometimes commit too quickly based on an early decision acceptance out of fear that they wouldn’t get a better offer when, in fact, they probably would have had several good options to consider.
There’s more to this complex issue, but I’m weighted down right now with stories and tips and wanted to put this out there for parents to consider.
Parents, students, counselors etc., is early decision a do or a don’t?
Comments
By luvs2teach
September 13, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
My mind changed so much between my junior and senior year, it would not have been a viable option for me - and the school I did go to ended up not being the best fit, so to speak. My daughter’s mind changed quite a bit those two years also.
Just because it wouldn’t have been a good choice for me, doesn’t mean I think they should eliminate it completely, though.
It’s nice for the school to have some guarantees, too.
By IOC
September 13, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
Both mine did ED but like I said we knew we were going to get full rides because it was a need based situation. ED favors the rich and the need based kids - not those that have to actually pay for college.
By jim d
September 13, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
It may well not be a fit for every student, but Keep it as an option for those that it does fit.
By Ernest
September 13, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
JimD beat me to it! It should remain an option. Just because it may not fit for my kids, I shouldn’t eliminate it as an option for others.
By V for Vendetta
September 13, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
I think as an option it is great. It would be helpful for some kids to know earlier in the year whether or not they are getting into college. Competition is fierce now, and it could have a huge impact on how they proceed (based on whether or not they get accepted).
By Veteran
September 13, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
Most “college” issues of magazines have explored this topic fully. Their bottom line? To go early decision/early action, a student MUST be absolutely sure of several factors, including whether that is the only school being considered and whether the student is a shoo-in. Not a definite? Not 100% positive the school will accept you? Hold off. I had a favorite student of mine two years ago firm in her decision to go UGA. Great kid, honors and AP classes all the way, solid SAT (1200+ on old version), president of this and that on campus, yada … yada … yada. Problem? UGA was not so sure (the typical suburban female thing). And she would have been a 4th generation “dawg.” The result was her deferrment from UGA, no other applications in the works, and many tears. She was ultimately accepted to UGA(in JUNE!), but by that time we had worked her through the process and she was settled into another Georgia school, quite happily I might add. Now, she cannot imagine being in Athens. The cost? Enormous, to her emotional stability. The choice for ED/EA needs to be made very carefully, and parents need to educate themselves on the process. Talk to the child’s teachers; it may have been awhile since we, ourselves, attended college, but we do keep up with the trends.
By Dragonlady
September 13, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
Early decision was great for my son. He was desperate to get into UGA, and his SAT was a borderline score. He applied so early the high school counselor said his was the first she sent off that year.
When he was accepted, the pressure was gone (except for my worrying about how to pay for it), and since his SAT was borderline, I have often thought if he had waited until the second half of the year, he might not have been accepted. I don’t really know if that is true, but maybe. We weren’t taking any chances.
After his acceptance, all he had to worry about were AP tests. No more taking of the SAT.
By MannyT
September 13, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
The non binding early programs are good. You are not locked in. If your financial situation requires aid, you can still look at other schools. However, putting your first choice on the table in the fall of your senior year can be a good thing. Eliminate some of the panic that comes with choosing a college.
I am sorry to see non binding programs go, but it’s not so bad to see the binding ones eliminated. Financial aid can be a very valid factor in choosing between schools.
By catlady
September 13, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Like IOC said, a lot of the problem for many students is the financial end of it. You can get an “estimate” of your need, but many schools do not guarantee that they will meet need so there you are. You are trading one kind of anxiety for another. If you don’t make the first cut, you know to look around some more.
That said, for the student who is sure of their choice, and a moderately strong candidate, ED is great. For the majority, it is not as helpful. For the colleges, it is usually a very good thing, unless they are seriously concerned about having a strong representation from economically disadvantaged students. I guess Harvard can afford to be.
By IOC
September 13, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this
Harvard is single choice EA/need blind and doesn’t offer merit scholarships and I think last year (not sure) basically said anyone earning under 60K??? would get a free ride. Economically disadvantaged students with high SATS will get 100% met at the top schools. Usually when you go onto a site like Princeton Review or Collegeboard or any of those other ones it will tell you whether a college will met 100% need. Those are the ones you should try for ED or EA. There are also schools that have ED 2 programs - so there are alot of options out there.
By IOC
September 14, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
HEY PATTI (I dont mean to yell) but Harvard just announced that they were dropping Single Choice Early Admission. How about some research on how this is going to affect next years seniors especially since other schools will probably follow suit and a BLOG would be nice. Personally I think its a PR ploy and I don’t buy that it is because of the low income kids not having enough knowledge of the program.
By KA
September 14, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
IOC, That announcement was made earlier this week, hence this blog thread….
By IOC
September 14, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Um KA I see nothing in the blog topic that indicated Harvard dropped the SCEA. And unlike you I don’t sit here and read every thing that is discussed. And no one mentions any of this development in any posts here. It’s like a non issue because most schools will probably follow Harvards lead. Personally I hope they don’t if they are smart some of the school will go back to ED. I know my kids wanted to be done and know in Dec so they could enjoy the rest of their senior year.
By IOC
September 14, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
OK its been more than 5 mins so if this gets repeated then fix your system at AJC. I see NO mention in the blog topic that says anything about Harvard dropping SCEA. Can you point me to where this was already discussed - although I stay home all day and live off of your husbands tax dollars KA I still dont have as much time as you obviously do to read EVERY post.
By IOC
September 15, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
Sorry I didn’t see any mention in the subject line. And I don’t read all the ed blogs so I guess I missed it.