Applications and Decisions
APPLICATION OPTIONS
Early Decision - For a student with a clear first choice whose academic and testing record through Form V is strong and for whom financial aid is not an issue, early decision may be an attractive option. Students may apply to only one college as an early decision applicant, and, if accepted, they are obligated to attend.
Early Action - A program similar to early decision but it is non-binding. If accepted, a student has until May 1 to make a commitment. Other applications may be filed in the interim. One must check early action policies carefully for each college. Some encourage multiple early action applications while others state that you may apply only to their college as an early action candidate.
Early Deadlines - Some state university systems have early admission deadlines. For example, the University of California has a November 30 deadline. This application is on the internet and asks student to self report their grades. Upon admission, an official transcript will be requested.
N.B. Since Portsmouth is on a trimester system, there are no first quarter grades to send to colleges. Often early action/decision is decided before Fall Term grades can be considered.
Regular Admission - Applications are filed in the fall or winter of the Sixth Form year and decisions are received in March or April. The majority of applications are filed for regular admission. Students must commit to a college by May 1.
Rolling Admission - Applications are reviewed as they are received. Clear admit or deny decisions are sent expeditiously, but borderline students many be deferred for an indefinite length of time. Many large state universities offer rolling admission. It is wise to apply early at these institutions because spaces do fill.
ISSUES TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING EARLY DECISION
Early Decision is an increasingly popular option for students for a number of reasons. If accepted as an early decision candidate, the process is over quickly and the hassle and paperwork involved in applying to college is minimum. For colleges, they accept up to 40% of their class under early decision programs from a pool of applicants that has said “if accepted, I will attend.” It is the binding nature of this process that students and families should consider.
Early Decision is a commitment. If accepted, a student must withdraw all other applications and send a deposit to the college. The only reason the acceptance is not binding is inadequate financial aid. If that is the case, the acceptance is refused. The application is either withdrawn or moved to the regular pool. Before making this kind of commitment it is good to consider a number of factors.
1) How much do you love this college? Students often change a great deal during Sixth Form year. Often what looked good in the summer is the antithesis of what and where you want to be in January.
2) You will be evaluated as an applicant on your record prior to Sixth Form year. If you think you can improve your grades and scores, this may not be the best option for you.
3) Are you applying to a college that is a reasonable reach for you? Early decision candidates often have a slight edge, but applying early decision will not make a reach school a match.
4) If financial aid is an important issue, early decision may not be the best choice. You will receive an estimated financial aid package, but you will not be able to compare it to what you would receive from other colleges. Financial aid awards vary greatly, so you cannot assume all of your aid packages will be the same.
5) Talk with your college counselor. Go over your options, chances and expectations. Realistically assess your chances for admission and your motivation for applying early decision.
6) DO NOT STOP YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH! Early decision is never a given. Formulate a list and collect applications.
THE APPLICATION
Common Application - An application form accepted by a number of colleges and universities. This form is available on computer disk, on the internet and in paper form. Students should check to see if the schools for which they are using the Common Application have an addendum to the form (extra essay or questions) that must accompany the Common Application.
Institutional Application – Some colleges do not accept the Common Application (Brown and Georgetown are examples). Students are required to complete the college or university’s own form, some with special stipulations such as completing the form in long hand.
Internet or Online Application – The application is completed on the computer screen and submitted electronically. The application fee must be paid with a credit card or by personal check. Often a written signature page must be printed and mailed.
THE DECISION
Deferral – Students who apply early action or early decision will sometimes be deferred or placed in the regular applicant pool. For some reason the student does not stand out as a clear admit and the admissions committee would like to wait to see how their application compares to the regular (larger) applicant pool. Students should follow up after receiving the decision with a letter expressing their continued interest in the college and present any new information that would help their candidacy. Winter Term grades will be requested before a final decision is made.
Waiting List - The waiting-list status is often part of the college admission process for students who apply to colleges for regular decision. Placing students on a wait-list allows colleges the option of filling the freshman class if the actual yield of accepted students is less than planned. The likelihood of being taken from a wait list can vary from year to year. If you are placed on the waiting list of your first-choice college, it can be difficult. It may be as late as August before all students are admitted from the wait-list. Write a carefully worded letter to the college indicating your interest. Try to keep your grades at a high level, so that if they ask for new information from the college counseling office, we can give them positive news.
Deny – This is always disappointing, but not the end of the world. If you are denied as an early applicant, this is an excellent opportunity to reassess your college list and confer with your college counselor about expanding your options. Your counselor can also help you to put things in perspective and realize how many alternative opportunities there are for you.
Making the FINAL DECISION and application deposit:
DO NOT DEPOSIT AT MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL. IT IS UNETHICAL AND YOU MAY HAVE YOUR ACCEPTANCE CANCELED AT BOTH SCHOOLS. This is a poor reflection on your character and could jeopardize Portsmouth Abbey’s relationship with the colleges involved.
Write a letter to the colleges where you were accepted but will not attend to thank them for their consideration and letting them know you will not be accepting their admission offer.
