Weekly Column Patrick OConnor College Applications-- The Early Returns, and What They Mean to You
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Since President Obama failed to mention it last night, the state of college admissions is strong—in fact, maybe a little too strong! Many colleges are reporting record application years again, and some will be accepting applications for two more months. This makes sense, since this is the largest high school class in history (next year’s class will be smaller, by the way)—it seems the bad economy is having very little impact on applications. While applications are up, the number of admitted students is mixed. Some schools have already admitted more students than last year, but it seems a number of colleges with Early Action (EA) programs are taking more of a wait-and-see approach; students are reporting an increase in the number of deferrals from EA, where colleges ask students for grades from their current classes, and compare these deferred students to those who applied to the college on a later deadline, The larger number of “tell us more” responses isn’t too much of a surprise; with more high school seniors wanting to hear sooner from colleges, and since EA programs don’t require an early commitment from the student, colleges want to make sure there’s plenty of room for good students who apply later on. Still, it’s understandable why students with above-average records could see a deferral as a defeat, rather than a delayed possibility for achievement. It takes a great deal of thought and planning to submit early applications, and when a letter comes back with an answer of maybe, it’s hard not to take it personally. What does this news all mean to seniors? It depends on where you are in the application process: -- If you haven’t applied to any colleges just yet, two words—“now” and “more”. Most colleges have received at least 80% of all the applications they’ll be getting, which usually means they will evaluate any new applications more closely. Make sure your applications are neat, thorough, and sent in by Ground Hog Day, and if you were going to apply to 4 colleges, make it 8—the volume of traffic is very heavy, so everyone can be more choosy. --If you have applied and don’t have a firm acceptance yet, it’s time to break out the college guides one last time. More EA applications usually means more regular applications—and that will lead to more deferrals and rejections this spring. Don’t play the April fool; there are great colleges with deadlines of February 15 and March 1 that will give you a decision 2 or 3 weeks after you apply. Find one that will work for you, and let that be your winter blanket. --If you’ve been deferred, be sure you’re in touch with the college now. Most students who are deferred will obediently submit their current grades, keep their head down, and hope for the best—but colleges will not be admitting most of their deferred students. A three-paragraph note that updates what you’ve been doing, what you plan on doing, and why State U is still of interest will separate you from the crowd, and create room for dialogue with the college. If you haven’t done so, this too is a must this week—and if you have no acceptances, see the point above, and find a school that will say yes in February.
--If you’re in at the college of your choice and feeling good about things, well done. Get back to the business of high school-- spring will soon be here with senior mayhem—and lend a kind word to seniors who haven’t heard.
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