Is applying Early the right decision for you?
October 12th, 2021Applying to college early can be a useful strategy, but each student must make thoughtful choices. When it comes to applying early there are typically two options: Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED).
Early Decision is binding, so you must be 100% certain you’ve found your best fit. ED students may apply to other schools simultaneously via Early Action (at schools with unrestricted EA policies) and Regular Decision, but only one through Early Decision. If you are accepted ED, you must attend that school and withdraw all other applications.
Early Action, the non-binding option, still provides some advantages for qualifying students. This policy gives students the opportunity to compare financial aid packages and admissions offers before making the final enrollment decision by May 1.
For seniors considering whether to apply early, please pay close attention to your top choice college’s requirements to determine whether this is a good path for you. The article linked below from Nerd Wallet gives a more in-depth look at early application options and is a great resource for students and parents.
Article referenced below from Nerd Wallet, written by Anna Helhoski published on April 30, 2021
Early Action vs. Early Decision: What’s the Difference?
Students who are accepted into college early have the advantage of peace of mind during their senior year of high school. Applying early decision or early action is a smart move for the confident applicant to stand out from the pack. But applying early is not for the faint of heart—those applicants who are accepted enter into a binding agreement to attend that college.
What does early decision mean?
It is critical for a student to be absolutely certain in the choice of early-decision college before applying. Prospective students can apply for regular admission to other schools, but cannot apply to any other college by early decision. If the student is accepted, any other applications must be withdrawn.
Tagged: Early action, Early decision
Demonstrate interest!
September 28th, 2021Demonstrated interest is a concept thrown around in the college admissions world that can be difficult to embrace. Believe it or not, your level of enthusiasm for and engagement with a school may matter, and will be tracked by SOME colleges or universities (not all). I used to view it cynically, akin to Orwell’s Big Brother in 1984, but now see that benefits accrue not only to colleges but to students, as well.
Many colleges work hard to determine the level of interest a student has for their school. This helps colleges predict their yield (% of accepted students who will enroll), which is important for them to protect.
Pre-COVID, there was no better way to demonstrate interest than visiting campus. The pandemic has certainly changed the way some colleges approach face to face contact, making it easier to connect virtually through online tours and information sessions.
Ethan Sawyer, The College Essay Guy, has published a fantastic list of ways to demonstrate interest to your top choice schools. When reading his article below, keep in mind that as you engage you’re also developing a better sense of optimal fit and, ultimately, optimal enrollment choice, goals that we at Shrop Ed hold for all students. The article referenced below is from a site we view as a phenomenal resource for college applicants.
This practical How-To Guide was written by Ethan Sawyer, published on The College Essay Website
What is Demonstrated Interest? A Practical How-To Guide
This blog post was inspired by podcast Episode 108 with Monica James, in which we discuss everything from how to find out which colleges track demonstrated interest to whether you should or shouldn’t like a college’s Facebook page. You can find that episode here.
Spoiler alert: In this blog post I’ll share with you a list of potential Action Items that involve (among other things) attending college fairs, speaking with admission reps, and maybe even opening a few of those emails that colleges send you—things that might stress you out. And why, you might wonder, would the “ease, purpose and joy” guy ask you to do things that mostly bring you anxiety?
Why are we talking about demonstrated interest in the first place?
Demonstrated interest (which I’ll explain in a moment) has become an important factor that some (keyword: some!) colleges consider when deciding whether to admit students or not. In fact, take a look at this NACAC survey from 2019 asking colleges which factors most influenced admission decisions:
Read more at College Essay Guy>>
Tagged: Demonstrated interest
Character counts in the boarding school and college admission process
September 14th, 2021What do schools want? This million dollar question is asked time and time again by students applying to boarding schools and colleges. Many of you have heard me say that we shouldn’t allow that question to lead us; we don’t want the tail to wag the dog. Instead, we want you to find ways to develop into the strongest version of you possible, to make the greatest possible impact on the world around you. That, in itself, will make you a more compelling applicant.
Admissions committees in both settings are looking for a candidate who has depth and will offer value to their school community. Evaluations, of course, begin with academic transcripts, activities, teacher recommendations and standardized test scores (although scores are increasingly considered optional).
Schools are also looking for evidence of personal qualities that foster cooperation, community and compassion. In order to accomplish this kind of evaluation, many boarding schools ask applicants to complete the Character Skills Snapshot, which helps admission officers get a sense of seven key character skills in students. College admission officers must read between the lines to develop a comparable sense of each applicant’s character.
Overall, colleges and boarding schools are trying to understand you as a whole person and before you can adequately reveal this on paper, it is important for you to get to know yourself. What are your passions, interests and talents? What motivates you? How are you impacting those around you? How do you demonstrate resilience, persistence, grit?
I’ve always believed that self-discovery and reflection will lead you down the path of finding the right fit for college, boarding school and life in general. When you are your true, authentic self you can really deepen your impact all around.
The lowdown on college honors programs
August 31st, 2021As the college application season rolls on, you may be considering whether to apply to an honors program. These programs give eligible students a chance to participate in what is typically an intimate and more rigorous educational environment. We encourage highly motivated students to explore carefully, as honors programs can be rewarding but are not the only option if you are looking to benefit from an advanced academic track.
The process for applying can vary: some colleges expect students to seek out the honors program at the time of application while others, upon admission, will identify and invite a select group of high achieving students.
As with any important college decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to understand and weigh carefully. The article we share today gives a more detailed look at college honors programs, and explains the process most schools follow for acceptance. If you think you meet the academic profile of an honors student, we hope this information helps generate the right questions to ask yourself and discuss with your parents as you assess your own fit for an honors program.
Article referenced by Studentcaffe Blog, written by Katelyn Brush, published on March 27, 2016
An Inside Look at College Honors Programs: Pros and Cons
Honors programs are designed to give excellent students additional educational opportunities. These programs are challenging on purpose. They encourage students to push themselves academically and personally. Students in an honors program often form small communities on campus. They may live together in an honors dorm or take special classes together.
If you are a prospective college student interested in applying to a specific honors program, study the fine print first. The curriculum and requirements of honors programs will vary college to college. In your search, you will find that most honors programs genuinely want to support high achieving students. Up for a challenge? By all means, proceed.
