Oy! Advice Needed

[watchME]

Posted: 10/12/04 at 9:58pm

Well guys, I'm doing the whole "college apps" thing. And, since I studied at NYU this summer, and enjoyed it- I thought it was my first choice, and was gearing up to do early decision. BUT all of the sudden I'm wondering if maybe its not such a good idea to do...I mean, I've been hearing a lot of criticism. So, I was just wondering if maybe anyone would share their thoughts on the matter? PM or IM me if you want. : )

[Jess1483]

Posted: 10/12/04 at 10:09pm

I work in the admissions office at my school, and I can tell you that at most schools it REALLY ACTUALLY TRULY doesn't matter if you apply early decision or not, in terms of getting in. If you don't know that's where you want to go 100% (or at least 97%) you should wait and do regular decision. I applied early decision to my school because I knew absolutely without a doubt this is where I wanted to be, and I never regretted it, but I know others who applied early decision just because they thought they should, and then regretted cutting off all possibilities to other schools. Plus, after you're accepted to a few schools, you get a chance to go look at schools and talk to students and make a really informed choice. I kind of missed out on that when all my friends were choosing (although it was nice to know for sure where I was going.)
If you have any other questions, PM me, or post again!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 7:34am

Hi,
I worked in admissions for a few years at my university (as a decision-making administrator) and I highly recommend that you apply early. We had to reject students who applied regular decision that had the SAME credentials as many who were accepted early decision or action. I think it's important to distinguish between the different types of applications. First, there is early action, which at our university is a non-binding early acceptance to the university. This guarantees you acceptance, but you are not required to attend the university. The second option is early decision, which is binding- you must attend the university. Finally, regular decision is the other option, but students in this category often face even more stringent requirements (especially since we have many valedictorians applying early action).

With this in mind, I highly recommend speaking to the admissions counselor at NYU and other universities that interest you to determine whether they offer early action as well as early decision. Also, make sure to have them distinguish the differences between these two early application options.

Best of luck!

[Jess1483]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 8:10am

Well, we sure cleared that right up for you...
Um...I guess different schools really are different. I don't know NYU's policy, but since bme was a "decision-making administrator" then I'd go with what they said, particularly because my guess is that whatever policy that school had is closer to NYU's than my schools. But mine is still (at a personal level) something to keep in mind.
Good luck!

[watchME]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 11:17am

Thanks. I'm still a little undecided, but you're definately helping me to figure it out! You're like a my own magic 8-ball! Only...without the shaking, and the blue liquid!

[mabel]

Posted: 10/13/04 at 11:39am

Hey there...

I don't know what your financial situation is, but that could play a big part in your decision to apply early decision/action. I forget which is which, but I know there's one (I think it's early action, eh...I forget) that you if you're accepted, you HAVE to go to that school. This can be a problem if the school you apply to ends up giving you zilch for financial aid. Sometimes, even if it's a school that is absolutely your number one choice, it won't necessarily be an option financially. I know someone from high school (graduated in the top ten) who was accepted early decision/action (whatever) to Emerson and when she didn't get the financial aid she'd expected had to take a year off (or that first fall semester at least, I forget). It can be a pretty tricky thing. Though, there are some early applications that don't have any strings attached (I applied to Fordham this way) and if that's the case, why not go for it! Just know all the facts when applying early, you don't want to screw yourself by jumping the gun!