does the early bird really get the worm? How to choose between early action, early decision, and regular decision
Another question that often comes up with regard to college applications is whether or not to apply Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Regular Decision, etc. Wow! There are a lot of choices. How do you know which is the best option for you? First, you need to know the difference, especially when it comes to all the "early" options.
Early Decision is an option where the student will apply early to only one college or university and is making a full commitment to attend that college or university if they are admitted. This means the student and family need to be absolutely sure this is THE place for the student. Admissions statistics are usually much more favorable for Early Decision students. The admissions folks know these students are committed, will attend, and are "a lock" whereas in the other application types, it is a guess as to whether or not the student is truly interested. The only way a student is able to get out of an Early Decision commitment is if the college just cannot meet the family's financial aid needs in a reasonable way.
Early Action is an option where the student applies to a college or university by their Early Action deadline (usually mid-October to mid-November). They are not making a commitment to attend as in Early Decision, but they do get to hear their decision earlier, which can help ease some of the stress of the college application season for the student and family.
Restrictive Early Action is used by some schools to restrict the number of applications to highly selective, private colleges. Some colleges and universities will indicate that if you apply to their school during the Early Action period, you cannot apply to any other private school during that school's Early Action period. There are some exceptions, of course, such as if a student must apply during the Early Action period to obtain a particular scholarship. But those exceptions need to be asked for and received or else if the student applies to two private colleges during Early Action and one (or both) are Restrictive, their application to both could be in jeopardy. Keep in mind that just because you are applying to a Restrictive school, this does NOT mean you cannot apply to public universities under an Early Action plan. The Restrictive refers to other private universities.
Regular Decision is the standard application type that most parents remember. You apply to a college by a certain deadline (typically the end of December) and are notified of your decision within a couple months. There are no restrictions on how many colleges you can apply to using Regular Decision and no claim on a student if they are accepted.
So which is the right choice for you? There are pros and cons to each one, but I generally advise that Early Action is the way to go when possible and for as many schools as possible. The earlier you can get those applications in, the better (as long as your essays and applications are in good shape)! Many schools participate in Early Action now so you can apply early, hear early, and have less stress going into your senior spring.
what sport/club/service/activity should i do to improve my application?
This is a question that gets asked by parents and students alike. What sport or club or service is the best when it comes to college applications? What is going to make me stand out from the crowd and show the admissions officers I have that "certain something" they are looking for?
The short answer is - Do what you love and that commitment and passion will be undeniable. If you are doing an activity to "check a box" on your application, that will be clear to the admissions officers. If you are truly committed to your activity and have a real passion for what you are doing, that will shine through in your essays and recommendations.
There is no one template that is going to ensure you gain admission to a certain school. In fact, one of the things admissions officers are actively looking for are people that will bring a new perspective, a new voice to their college community. If everyone did the same sports and activities, that would make for a very boring, one-sided culture. Admissions officers are looking for students that will challenge, excite, and engage while on campus.
So how can you make your voice stand out to admissions officers through your activities and service? Take your commitment to that activity to a deeper level! Don't just show up for practices or monthly meetings and "check the box" - take on a leadership role, start a new project within an organization, heck, start your own organization! There are many opportunities to take your activities and interests to a newer, deeper level. Don't just check the box - think outside the box!
This approach to your extracurriculars will help you not just in college admissions, but in life. Find something you love doing and inject yourself into it - find new ways to support an organization, find new projects to help bring your message to more people, and in the process, you will find your voice that will allow you to show others who you really are and what excites you.
REcommendations - how to choose the right person and how to ask
During spring of junior year, students should be thinking ahead to next year's college applications and approaching teachers before the end of the school year to ask for a recommendation next fall.
How many teachers should you ask? It is nice to have 2-3 teachers that are willing to write you a recommendation. You will most likely need just the 2, but if you are planning on applying to outside scholarships and other programs, it is a good idea to have an extra recommendation on hand that you can use to give the other teachers a break. You may also want to have a coach or employer that is willing to write you a recommendation as that is sometimes required for scholarships. A high percentage of colleges will also ask for a guidance counselor recommendation. If you have not had a chance to get to know yours very well, see if they have a form you can fill out with important information about yourself that you want them to put in their letter. If they do not, think about putting that information together for them on your own (clubs, leadership positions, outside activities, future career plans, etc).
Who should you ask? The best recommendations are going to come from teachers that know you well and typically where you have done well in the course. You do not want to ask a teacher for a recommendation if you aren't sure if they would write you a good recommendation - regardless of your grade in the course. If you are applying to STEM programs, it is advisable to have at least one recommendation from a math or science teacher.
How do you ask? Approach your teacher in person - this is not something to do over email or text. Ask them if they have the time and would be willing to write you a recommendation for college applications and potentially some scholarships as well (if you are planning to apply for outside scholarships). Most teachers are happy to do so. Some may have a limited number they are willing to write, which is another reason to ask early! Ask them if they need anything from you in order for them to write it. If you will be asking them to mail in recommendations, provide them with a stamped, addressed envelope. When fall rolls around, go back to the teacher and thank them for their willingness to write a letter, ask if there is anything they need, and let them know of any impending deadlines. If there is a particular passion or activity you want them to write about in the letter, tell them!
How do I say thank you? I'm so glad you asked! Please make sure you DO say thank you! A nice, handwritten note is wonderful - let the teacher know how appreciative you are and where you decided to go to school next year. If they helped you with a scholarship, let them know if you got that as well. If you can, add a gift card to your note to give them a little treat!