College Admission Options

Admission Options

OPEN ADMISSIONS

Open admission schools accept almost every student who has a high school degree without regard to test scores, grade average or class rank.

ROLLING ADMISSIONS

ROLLING ADMISSION schools process applications on a first-come, first serve basis and notify students within a few weeks of receiving the application.

EARLY DECISION

If a student is positive he/she wants to attend a certain school, one can apply under their EARLY DECISION PLAN. When accepted, a student will say yes and withdraw applications to any other schools. This application of admission must be submitted early in the fall and no later than November 15. All testing must be done before the fall of the senior year. If a student is not accepted under early decision, his/her application is reconsidered without bias under the college’s regular admissions plan.

EARLY ACTION

Schools that offer EARLY ACTION admissions are willing to notify candidates of acceptance earlier than mid-April. Deadlines vary from school to school but are usually in the fall of the senior year. Students may still apply to other schools.

SELECTIVE ADMISSION CATEGORY

The specific requirements vary from school to school and may be rigorous but most students can expect to be admitted if they meet the admission requirements. Most four-year colleges classify themselves as selective.

COMPETITIVE ADMISSION CATEGORY

Even though a student may meet the specific admissions requirements, he/she cannot be sure of admission to a competitive college because more students qualify than can be admitted. Each applicant will be competing with other equally qualified applicants. The more competitive the college, the more likely it is to consider personal qualifications such as special skills or abilities, leadership capabilities, and community involvement. Some colleges require an applicant to write an essay as part of the application. The college application answers questions about course work, grades, test scores, work, activities, honors and awards. The only place the admissions officer can find out how a student thinks or feels about life is in the essay. This essay can be the deciding factor in an acceptance and its importance should not be underestimated. Time and energy should be devoted to this undertaking to do it right. A student should write about what he/she knows and not try to impress the reader by trying to sound "smart" or "highly intelligent".

Eventually, all options must be evaluated before selecting a college. Do not choose a college before making a college visit. Once a decision has been made, complete the required forms and notify the other colleges. Be sure to submit any required housing deposit before the deadline if housing is desired.