Calvary Seniors Understanding the Differences in the Admission Process

10/17/2017

Stacey Mell

It is most important to understand college admissions jargon so students are clear about how they are applying to colleges. I want to take this opportunity to explain different strategies to students and parents so that they can make the best decisions concerning their application path.

The Common Application is an application that is accepted by many colleges throughout the country. If one is applying to multiple schools that accept the common app, then applying with the common app is a great strategy. The following is a list of the colleges and universities in Georgia that accept the common application:

Agnes Scott College, Berry College, Brenau University, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia College and State, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Mercer University, Morehouse College, Oglethorpe University, Piedmont College, and Spelman College. Many Ivy and Tier I schools accept the Common App, but I would suggest that you check their website and find out if the colleges on your college list are listed on the Common App acceptance list. Also, it is important to note that most schools accepting the Common App also have supplemental requirements that are uniquely part of that school’s application process.

The Coalition Application is a the new admission process that debuted last year. The Coalition App is an free online college planning tool that students are able to open as a freshman. In their coalition locker they are able to build a resume of activities and work on developing their application throughout their high school years. The following is a partial listing of some of the schools using the Coalition App:

Clemson, Columbia, Davidson, Georgia Tech, Emory, Duke, Florida State, Harvard, Penn State, Johns Hopkins, Ohio State, Princeton, Stanford, Smith College, and the University of Georgia.

Early Decision I is a binding application process. One applies to the college or university by the early deadline (deadlines are usually November 1-15), and if one is accepted, that student is contractually bound to that school. If a student decided to apply early decision, he/she may only do so to one school. One is able to apply to other schools for regular decision deadlines. If accepted to one’s early decision school, then all other applications must be withdrawn. Typically the only acceptable way to be released from your binding decision is to be able to prove your family’s financial situation has changed drastically and you can no longer afford to attend. What is the up side to applying ED I? Students will be notified in December if they have been accepted. Financial aid packages are awarded early so students are able to understand their estimated contribution for their educational choice.

Early Decision II is becoming a popular option, and it differs from the Early Decision in the manner that students have until January 1 to apply, which allows more time to raise college entrance admissions scores, and first quarter grades are considered for admission. The ED II decision is still binding, but it does give students more time to figure out their financial aid situation. The student will be notified around February if he/she has been accepted, which is about two months earlier than regular decision students. One may only apply to one school using the ED II process, and it is a binding decision.

Restrictive Early Action is a non-binding early application option for students who have completed a thorough college search and are confident of their first choice. A student may only apply to this one school during the early decision period. Admission decisions are released by December 15, and admitted students have until May 1 to respond to their offer.

Early Action is almost always non-binding. Students are able to apply early (October 1-November 1) and will be notified of acceptance typically between December 1 and January 1. Students have until May 1st to make a decision with early action schools. University of Georgia and the Georgia Institute of Technology are both early action schools.

Many options are available for the college application process. If you have worked hard throughout high school earning high grades, taken rigorous courses, and have solid college admissions test scores, you have plenty of options. Take your time, choose wisely, and make sure that you ask your school counselor to read over your application and essays. Please do not forget that last piece of advice. This is your first experience with the college app process - it is my 25th year - let me assist you in this very important process!

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