Finalizing your college list? Consider these five points.
As you move through the fall, you will begin to pare down your Considering List to your final Applying List. But how do you arrive at that final group of schools? To how many schools should you apply?
Finalizing Your Research. You should take advantage of all valuable online resources. Listen to information sessions, take virtual tours, and take advantage of the fall programming schools have created. Also, attend our virtual college visits. We have many schools visiting this fall, and it is an excellent opportunity for you to have any lingering questions answered.
Visiting Colleges. You may also have the chance to see a few college campuses this fall. The fall long weekend, October 15-19, is a great time to plan these final “pre-application” visits. The College Office will also offer a few trips during this time for boarding students who are still on campus.
Application Fees. Most colleges apply fees from $50 to over $100. Others may not have an application fee or offer priority applications. These priority applications are completed online through the colleges’ website. Not only do you not have to pay an application fee, but you may also get your admission decision faster. Check your email for invitations to these types of applications.
ED vs. EA vs. RD vs. Rolling Admissions. Another aspect to consider is when and how you are going to apply. Be sure to discuss your plan with your college counselor.
- EARLY DECISION (ED) I AND II. If you are positive that you want to attend a particular school, Early Decision may be a good option. ED is a binding contract. If you are accepted, you are committing to attend that school. If you are not admitted, you then have the option to apply EDII to another school. You can only apply to one school EDI and one school EDII. Early Decision I deadlines typically are November 1 or November 15. Early Decision II deadlines are usually January 1 or January 15.
- EARLY ACTION. Early Action is an excellent option because students can apply to more than one school and compare financial aid packages. It is non-binding; you can apply to other schools, and you are not obligated to attend if admitted.
November ED and EA applicants typically receive decisions in December.
- RESTRICTED EARLY ACTION/SINGLE-CHOICE EARLY ACTION. Restricted Early Action is similar to Early Action; however, you may not apply ED or EA to other private schools. In some cases, you can apply EA to a public college whose admission is non-binding.
- REGULAR DECISION. Regular Decision is non-binding, and you can apply to as many schools as you like.
The RD Deadline is typically in January/February. Schools notify by April 1.
- ROLLING ADMISSION. Some schools review and decide upon applications as they are received. Technically there are no submission deadlines or decision dates, but students should apply early before a school is full.
Meet with your college counselor. Be sure to schedule an individual meeting to review your list, discuss your deadlines, and review all aspects of your application before you submit.
If you have any questions about taking the ACT or SAT this fall, please email Mrs. Chretien at kchretien@winchendon.org.
All the best,
Mr. Lambert
Dean of College Counseling