Admitted Early Action? Congratulations, But Choose Wisely!
As the holiday season approaches college-bound seniors find good news in their mailbox, online or on paper. Early Action acceptances have arrived. Unlike Early Decision admissions, which require a binding commitment to a first-choice school, seniors admitted Early Action can take their time to review their college options, all the way to the May 1st deposit deadline.
Early Action acceptances are a good measures of a college-bound senior’s standing in the admissions process. They are also a reward, not only for academic and extracurricular achievement, but also for the student’s enthusiasm, thoroughness and efficiency.
Here are tips to help compare and confirm college choices:
- Admitted students are invited to Accepted Students events. Attend as many as possible, especially if they are within a reasonable driving time from home. Attendance may lead to further rewards, including larger scholarships.
- Check any notes from the last campus visit, photos, too. They are useful reminders of likes and dislikes.
- Review the costs listed in the admissions materials. Review award letters. The next year’s costs, and those in later years, should be within your means.
- Receive a scholarship? Check the requirements to maintain the award after freshman year.
- Decided on a major? Compare copies of the “degree maps,” the year-by-year requirements to earn the degree in the intended major. Is one degree program more difficult to complete?
- Undecided? Compare the requirements to earn a degree from each school as well as the access into possible majors. Some schools will take all students who are interested into major departments; others cap enrollments in majors that are in high demand.
- Directed towards employment after college? Go to the career services Web site or contact their staff to get reports about internships and jobs.
- Contact students or recent graduates from your hometown along with tour guides who gave out business cards. Get their viewpoints.
Early Action admissions allow families more time to make a better-informed decision. Take advantage of that time. Use it wisely to reflect and research college options.
Need help on the journey to college? Contact me at stuart@educatedquest.com or call me at 609-406-0062.
Want to know more about me? Check out these podcasts!
Listen to my talk, College Is A Learning AND Living Community, hosted by Dr. Cynthia Colon from Destination YOUniversity on Voice of America Radio!
Listen to my talk, What Exactly Is a Good College? hosted by test-prep experts Amy Seeley and Mike Bergin on Tests And The Rest!
