More Information on the College Application Process: Early Decision Meaning and PSAT Significance
While I already wrote previous blog posts about the college process, there were some details I forgot to mention that I would like to add. When applying to schools, there are many options for the way you send in your application. These different options include a variety of deadlines, whether or not it is binding, and if you can apply to more than one school at the same time. There are three main groupings: regular decision, early decision, and early action.
Regular decision (RD) means that the deadline is "normal" timing wise, and usually occurs at the start of January. You may apply to as many schools as you want using a regular decision application. Early decision (ED) is not only different timing wise, but it is also binding. ED applications are usually due at the beginning of November and you may only apply to that school at that time. The reason being because if you get in, you are bound to attending, hence the name. A lot of selective schools offer ED applications. Finally, early action (EA) simply means that the application due date is earlier, but you are still able to apply to as many schools as you want. Many schools offer EA to see increased interest from students.
I applied ED to Dartmouth College and was accepted, meaning I am going there no matter what unless financial aid doesn't work out. Luckily everything worked out and I am headed there this fall.
I also want to cover the PSAT. While the PSAT seems like a nuisance of a test, I highly recommend taking it. It qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is given to high achieving students across the US. While many students don't see the point in taking the PSAT because they don't think they would make it, I would argue that they won't know for sure unless they simply take it. I was not expecting anything and then qualified to be a National Merit Semi-Finalist. My advice would be to study for and take the ACT in September or October because then you will be fully prepared for the PSAT, as it covers essentially the same content.
Regular decision (RD) means that the deadline is "normal" timing wise, and usually occurs at the start of January. You may apply to as many schools as you want using a regular decision application. Early decision (ED) is not only different timing wise, but it is also binding. ED applications are usually due at the beginning of November and you may only apply to that school at that time. The reason being because if you get in, you are bound to attending, hence the name. A lot of selective schools offer ED applications. Finally, early action (EA) simply means that the application due date is earlier, but you are still able to apply to as many schools as you want. Many schools offer EA to see increased interest from students.
I applied ED to Dartmouth College and was accepted, meaning I am going there no matter what unless financial aid doesn't work out. Luckily everything worked out and I am headed there this fall.
I also want to cover the PSAT. While the PSAT seems like a nuisance of a test, I highly recommend taking it. It qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is given to high achieving students across the US. While many students don't see the point in taking the PSAT because they don't think they would make it, I would argue that they won't know for sure unless they simply take it. I was not expecting anything and then qualified to be a National Merit Semi-Finalist. My advice would be to study for and take the ACT in September or October because then you will be fully prepared for the PSAT, as it covers essentially the same content.
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