4Real Forums: early decision

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Topic: early decision

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lapazfarm
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Posted: Nov 05 2007 at 10:58am \| IP Logged

Can anyone lay out the pros and cons for me regarding early decision vs regular admissions process?
I am having a bit of trouble getting a handle on this.

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Theresa
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hylabrook1
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Posted: Nov 05 2007 at 1:21pm \| IP Logged

I think sometimes the terms *early decision* and *early action* are used loosely, so maybe what I'm about to say doesn't apply exactly to the situation you're thinking about. So, with that disclaimer: When I was applying to colleges, at my first choice college, Early Decision meant I got all my application materials in probably 2 months before the general deadline. I was then given the college's decision on November 1, rather than March 15. If they accepted me (which they did), I had no choice but to go to that school. I was further required to formally (by writing a letter) withdraw any other applications I had pending with other colleges.

Advantage: The only one I can see is that I was not left gnawing my knuckles for most of the winter.

Disadvantage: I gave up the opportunity to wait things out and consider competing financial offers from other schools.

That's all I can think of; if there was something else you wanted to discuss more specifically, I might be able to help you there. (I used to be an alumni admissions representative for my college, so I'm kind of used to fielding these kinds of questions

)

Peace,
Nancy

MaryM
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Posted: Nov 05 2007 at 2:42pm \| IP Logged

hylabrook1 wrote:

I think sometimes the terms *early decision* and *early action* are used loosely...

Early decision is a commitment to attend that school if admitted. Where as early action is just an earlier timeline for receiving word on being admitted but does not have the commitment until spring. You are not committed to attend. When my son was applying he did several of them early action but no early decision.

The disadvantage as Nancy stated is that you then have to withdraw application from other schools and can not consider financial packages before making final decision. The advantage seems to be more for highly selective and competive schools. Appearantly a large percentage of students are accepted in the early decision group in some of these schools so your chances of being admitted to these schools increases quite a bit if you apply early. One website said that it is the equivelent of 100 additional SAT points over the student applying at the regular admission deadline. So in general if you are certain you want to attend a particular school over any others and that school is highly competive it may be worth it - otherwise it is really limiting if one is not totally decided or other factors need to weigh into the decision.

College Board website info

EDITED: to correct where I mixed up the two terms.

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lapazfarm
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Posted: Nov 05 2007 at 7:20pm \| IP Logged

Got it. Thanks, ladies. It turns out the school dd is applying to (UNC Chapel Hill) has only a non-binding early notification, so it's no biggie after all. Her application is in, and we'll find out in January if she's in or not.
If you don't mind, a prayer or two her way would be appreciated!

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Theresa
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MacBeth
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Posted: Nov 05 2007 at 7:54pm \| IP Logged

Theresa, FWIW, I used early decision way back when. I loved knowing where I was going immediately. Looking back, I recall that I was very relaxed my senior year.

The drawback is that I have little compassion for Libby, who could not apply ED to any conservatories (except the Rome School at Catholic, which is not her first choice). I don't know how we will last until April not knowing...

Admissions at one college reminded us that the main drawback was that you were committed to attend regardless of financial aid decisions, as Mary said.

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MacBeth in NY
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