The leaves have fallen, pumpkins were carved, and now seniors have turned in their early college applications. Nov 1 was the early application deadline, prompting last minute corrections and frantic common app filling at PV and around the nation. Some seniors have only begun thinking about where they will apply this winter, but several are now waiting for the decision back from their top choice universities.
Jeanelle Cho, a senior and aspiring architect, has just applied early decision to Syracuse University in New York state. Early decision is binding, if Cho is accepted she will be a part of next year’s class. Cho said, “I really loved the architecture program there and thought it was the right fit for me, that’s why I applied early decision.” In addition to essays and scores, Cho had to put together a portfolio to send to the college of architecture. She will know the verdict before Jan 1st, the date many other seniors are shooting for to turn in their regular decision applications.
Another senior with the bulk of applications over is Sarah Danielson. Applying under early action, Danielson is not obligated to attend Wheaton University, but will know her options in December. She said, “I want to know if I get in early just so that I feel more at peace with my decision.” She will also have a better chance to get her preferred housing by being a part of the early application pool. “It feels good to have my college essay done because for all the places I’m regular applying to I already have the whole Common App done so I’ll just have to do a few questions,” Danielson commented.
Varun Vedula has applied early to multiple colleges including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue, Urbana Campaign, and Georgia Institute of Technology. With school, robotics, and applications all happening at the same time, Vedula’s stated that his process was stressful. However, early applying was the right decision for him, “It’s essentially giving me two times the chance of getting into a college that I want.” Many top colleges have higher acceptance rates for the early decision pool, when the acceptance rate is under 10% applying early can make a difference.
These seniors have advice for those who will soon start their regular applications. Cho said, “Start as early as possible. Whenever you have free time just work on your applications.” Advising her fellow seniors to get their application in a few days before the deadline, Danielson has heard horror stories of friends who have had the site crash as they rush to submit at the last moment. Vedula advises seniors to be honest with their applications, “Write from the heart.” Good luck to all the seniors who have already applied.
