Do I have a better chance of getting in if I apply early?
: Many students apply early decision because they believe that there is an advantage
to applying early and that their chances of being admitted are greater. Actually,
this can vary from school to school and year to year, and may depend upon the
applicant pool at the academy where you are applying.
How much time should I give my teachers to write letters of recommendation for
me?
: Teachers should always receive a minimum of two weeks notice, prior to the
postmark date. Be sure to ask in a way that allows a teacher to decline comfortably
if he/she does not have time to do an adequate job. For example: "Do you
feel you know me well enough, and do you have enough time to write a supportive
letter of recommendation for me to . . . " Give the teacher a stamped envelope
addressed to the academy, along with any recommendation form provided by the
academy.
What is an Application Form? Should I use it?
: The Application Form has been developed by a group of colleges and universities.
They accept this application Form in place of any documents without any penalty.
You fill it out once (on the computer is the easiest way) and then mail copies
of the same application to the academy this form participates on your behalf
My parents don't make a lot of money—will colleges
hold this against me?
: Colleges should tell you whether or not they have a "need-blind" admissions
policy. Those that do never consider ability to pay as an admissions criterion.
Other schools, which are "need-conscious," may consider ability to
pay, but only for a very small proportion of the admitted group. My advice always
is: don't worry about this.
I want to send additional material that I think will support my application?
Is this okay?
: It depends on what you want to send. Most colleges and universities read hundreds
or maybe thousands of applications, and they expect to find the information that
they need to make an admission decision about you in their specific application
form. It is okay to send an additional letter of information to explain something
that cannot be explained on the application forms, but other items that students
sometimes send are not helpful and may be viewed as trying to distract the admission
staff from the actual application.
Do colleges really care about your senior year grades?
: Absolutely! Many colleges will not make a decision until receiving first semester
grades. They expect to see a performance that indicates you are ready for college-level
work. The college at which you make your enrollment deposit will ask for a final
transcript at the end of the senior year. (Admission letters often contain something
like, "Your admission is contingent upon your continued successful performance.")
It is not at all rare for a college to withdraw an offer of admission
