DAY BY DAY

OC's best family calendar

September 2008 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

KID

QUIPS

“Daddy doesn’t turn green when he’s mad, he turns red. Such a boring color.”... READ MORE

SUBMIT YOUR QUIP

Teen Years

It's Early…Or it's Late: The college admissions game. By Ryan MoyPublished: September, 2003

Print This Article Email This Article RSS Subscribe Digg This Article

College admission seems to grow more competitive every year. As acceptance rates decline, students seek new paths for getting into their "dream schools." Thus, a staggering number have turned to early action and early decision to secure an advantage over the competition. Offered at more than 400 schools, these plans allow students to apply in November and receive their acceptance (or rejection) letters by December, months ahead of regular applicants. Now that senior year has begun, I'm poring over the pile of applications on my desk. And like thousands of other students, I haven't escaped the hype. I've decided to apply early. However, one must wonder whether the extra work is really worth it. For academically strong students who are prepared to commit to a college, early decision is a promising option. Admission rates tend to be dramatically greater for early applicants. Last year, the University of Pennsylvania accepted 33 percent of early decision applicants compared to 16.5 percent of regular ones. A recent Harvard study even concluded that students gain an advantage equivalent to100 SAT points by applying early. Early decision also could provide a more relaxing senior year. If you're accepted, you won't spend the next four months dreading the envelopes that decide your college fate. You'll also save time and hundreds of dollars by not having to complete any more applications. However, early decision is not beneficial for everyone. Students are legally required to attend a school if admitted, so they can't change their minds. If you suddenly hate electrical engineering and want to study dance, it may be too late. Some early decision applicants also may become trapped with unfavorable financial aid packages, leaving them with large debts. Those who want to compare different financial aid offers should never consider early decision. Also remember that early decision pools are often stronger and that you have fewer months to bolster your academic record. If you hope to raise your SAT scores or gain a few more As to compensate for a lackluster junior year, early decision is not for you. Some students might find a better alternative in early action, which offers the same benefits as early decision but is more flexible: Even if you're accepted, you can apply to other schools and make your final choice in the spring. It's important to check each college's policy. While many let you apply early to other colleges, some stipulate that you can only apply to one. After much deliberation, I decided on early action because, like most teenagers, I can change my mind in a second. Why should I risk my college career on binding early decision? Plus, applying under early action will give me a head start on college applications before senioritis sets in. Seek advice from guidance counselors, teachers, parents and friends. Even better, visit the colleges you hope to attend. By touring the East Coast this August, I gained invaluable insights that helped me narrow my college search. Whether it's early decision, early action or regular decision, the choice is up to you. Ryan Moy is a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton.

SEARCH THE SITE