Admission to College

Signs and Directions for Success

In many ways, going to college is similar to reading signs and directions. This guidance, when followed, will help you to reach your destination with the least amount of hassle. From the experiences of thousands of students and counselors come the following "signs and directions" to help you reach the right college with the greatest ease. It’s an exciting time. With proper preparation, you will enjoy the ride.

Know Your Preferences:

As in travel, you need to know what you want. Your answer will depend on needs and desires that differ from your friends and family. Location, size, type, affiliation, competitiveness, and academic offerings are the larger considerations when determining the right college or university. What are your needs and desires?

Gather information:

You may have a good idea on your choice of college. Until you request information, however, you will not know with any certainty. Colleges and universities are obligated to provide thorough and accurate information on all aspects of their education, including costs and assistance. In turn, you have the responsibility to understand the policies and procedures regarding your choices, especially where deadlines and deposits are concerned.

Make Application:

Your needs and the recommendations of family or your counselor will determine the number of applications that you complete. In general, you should not make application to colleges that do not meet your profile, especially in regard to academic preparedness and competitiveness. Be certain to work with your family and counselor when you complete your applications. Do not hesitate to contact an admission representative when you have a question.

Receive a Reply:

A response to an application from a college or university may not always be an admission decision, at least not at first. You may be required to send additional information, or you may be placed on a waiting list. In either case, you should follow the instructions that will ultimately lead to an admission decision.

Receive an Admissions Decision:

Not all admission decisions are favorable. If you were thorough and truthful in your selection as well as on your application, the answer that you receive will most likely be favorable. If so, congratulations! You will need to examine all of your favorable decisions to select the one college where you will enroll. You will have until May 1 before your commitment takes the form of a nonrefundable deposit. Unless you applied early decision, you should be granted an extension upon written request if a deposit is required by May 1.

Determine Your Choice:

Most colleges and universities will require a nonrefundable deposit by May 1 for students who have been accepted for the fall semester. Without this request admission representatives will not know the number of students who will enroll and the services that will be needed. You should make only one deposit with your first choice of college. You should also withdraw you application from all of the other colleges that accepted you. Early-decision applicants should withdraw all other applications at the time of deposit.

Prepare for Arrival:

Whether you will be living on or off campus, you should prepare for the start of classes. On-campus students should consider the items and tasks that will be needed to support their living habits. Off-campus students should consider scheduling their classes in relation to their need for transportation and using the college’s resources. A campus visit is very helpful in determining your preparations. Be certain to participate in an orientation if you are given the opportunity.

Ask Questions:

You will have questions along the way. Your counselor, your family, your friends, and the staffs at the many colleges and universities will provide the guidance that you seek. In the end, please remember that you destination is very personal. Your success in college will be determined by the choices that you make. Good Luck!

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ADMISSION DECISION OPTIONS

Early Decision:

This option allows a student to commit to his or her first choice of college well before May 1. In exchange for admission, the college or university will require a nonrefundable deposit by a date that is typically not extended. You should not apply to more than one college under this option; you should withdraw all other applications when you accept an early-decision offer.

Early Action:

This option allows a student to make application to a college of preference and receive an admission decision well before the normal response, usually in the spring. Students who apply under this option are not obligated to enroll or deposit.

Regular Decision:

This option requires a student to apply by a given date in return for a promise of notification by a given date. This option allows colleges and universities to review most of its applications before notifying the majority of its candidates.

Rolling Admission:

This option allows students to receive an admissions decision as soon as their files are reviewed. Colleges usually do not state deadlines, although they may recommend a date when files should be complete.

In all options except early decision, applicants will have until May 1 before they should make a nonrefundable deposit, unless they have requested a written extension.

If you have questions regarding this brochure or believe that your rights have been denied, please contact your counselor and request that he or she file a complaint with the Admission Practices Committee of PACAC.

Linda de Simone Admission Practices Co-Chair The College Board ldesimone@collegeboard.org 215-387-7600

Susan Tree Admission Practices Co-Chair Westtown School 610-399-7935