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Early Bird Gets the WormFeb 01 '00 Write an essay on this topic.You’re a senior in high school with at least decent grades. Whether that is your choice or because your parents have made the decision for you, you’ve decided to go on and further your education by attending college. So – when do you send in your applications? That depends on what your prospective colleges’ admission policies are, however, my advice is to apply as early as possible. The college will always state what dates they start accepting applications, and when they start making decisions. Most Normal Admissions Policies Most colleges have one of two admissions policies. One policy looks at your application when it comes in, reviews, it and makes a decision in a short time frame. You get your welcome letter or your denial letter as soon as the decision is made. The more common admission policy is to only accept a certain number of students in a pre-set time period. Every eligible application is considered during that time frame. Those that make the first cut get a lovely letter that reads something like this: Dear Johnny, We are pleased to announce that the Board of Regents has accepted your application to the University of Fantasyland. Please find the enclosed brochures that will explain our 5-star resort facilities and what you can expect from UF… Those that don’t meet the minimum requirements of the school are usually notified immediately, with a letter that says something as along the lines of: Dear Johnny, Thank you for applying to the University of Fantasyland. We appreciate your interest, however, you are better suited for Burger King College, and have enclosed an application for your convenience. Best wishes in your educational career… Finally, the vast majority of students fall into a third category. They get a letter that reads similar to this: Dear Johnny, Thank you for applying to the University of Fantasyland. We have all your application papers and will be making a decision shortly… What happens to your application now? It gets stacked into the following period’s “In Box” for evaluation and consideration. Each period, you are given an equal chance for admission. Again, if you miss the cut, you are placed in the following period, until the decision process ends. If you don’t make the cut, you are notified by mail that you didn’t get accepted to the college. Early Decision There is a special application period for those students who know what college they want to attend, and want an answer as soon as possible. This process is called “Early Decision.” You apply to the school before the Early Decision deadline (usually in the early fall of your senior year of high school). You agree with the prospective college that if you are accepted, you will definitely attend there, and withdraw any other applications from other colleges for which you have applied. You are given your decision in a very short period of time. What pitfalls await you with an Early Decision application? Well, you are unable to change your mind down the road. You’ve stuck all your eggs in one basket, and if something changes, it will usually be too late to change your decision. Many of the schools require a non-refundable deposit with your Early Decision application, and you only get the money back if you are not accepted to the college. Also, if you are rejected in the Early Decision process, many colleges won’t consider you in the normal admission process afterwards. Guaranteed Admission Some state-run schools guarantee freshmen admission to that state’s residents if those people meet the minimum requirements of the school and are able to pay the tuition costs. However, you still have to apply before the closing deadline. Most high schools have more information regarding the Guaranteed Admission program. This is a good choice for someone who wants to stay in state and does not want to bother with the tedious application process. Late Admission Hello! How did you miss that all your friends have already applied and been accepted to their respective colleges? Have you been asleep all year? This is the least-recommended way of applying to a college. Basically, you are asking the college to accept you after all the deadlines are passed. On the off chance that they have openings after the regular admission process ends, you are put in for consideration. Many schools no longer offer this choice, but you may wish to check with your prospective college before dismissing the option. What to Always Keep in Mind Never ever miss a deadline. Get a big calendar and put it on your wall, do whatever you have to do but do not miss a deadline!. Unless you have some extraordinary excuse, the college likely won’t even entertain your explanation. They have plenty of other students who have managed to get all their paperwork in on time, along with their essays and letters of recommendation. It is your responsibility to make sure all the items are turned in on a timely basis. Without bugging the people you are seeking letters of recommendation from, tactfully remind them of the approaching deadline. One way to avoid this problem is, instead of submitting three letters of recommendation (or whatever the requirement is for your school), ask four people to send in letters on your behalf. This way, if one doesn’t come through, you still have made the requirements by deadline. Conclusion Your best bet is to apply to a college as early as possible so as to be fresh and have the greatest chance for consideration. If you don’t make the initial cut, you are still given a longer time frame to make the next cut, and your chances for admission are increased. Best of luck!  |
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