Friday, November 13, 2009

AM I TOO LATE? Early Action vs. Early Decision


Everyone's talking about applying early, getting early decisions, making early decisions; did I miss something?

No, not yet but if you have a good idea of where you want attend college there are two options you may want to consider before December 1st.

The first is Early Action. Early Action is an option offered by many colleges and universities that lets you apply a little early (usually by December 1st!) and receive a decision a little earlier as well, usually between January 1st and 15th. The good news about Early Action is that by applying earlier, you find out whether you've been accepted earlier, but you are not committing yourself to that school by applying that way. You still have until the national decision date of May 1st to make your choice. Also remember, the earlier you apply, the greater interest you express in that school. And we love interest!

The second option is Early Decision. Like Early Action, Early Decision applications must be filed earlier (at Siena the deadline is December 1st). Also like Early Action, Early Decision gets you an admissions decision earlier, usually early January. The difference between Early Action and Early Decision is that you are only allowed to apply to one college using Early Decision and you have less time to make your final decision. At Siena if you are accepted Early Decision you must accept the offer of admission by March 1st.

Early Decision is the best choice for those students who already know where they want to attend college and want to finalize that decision now so they can focus on the end of their senior year in high school. Early Decision is also a good choice for that student who's worried about being accepted to the college of their dreams. Experience has taught us that students who are really committed to their college do better in the classroom!

Are you too late? No, but if your situation sounds similar to those I've described above, Early Action or Early Decision may be an opportunity that you don't want to miss.

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