Bangle Wei (285)

Before college application season kicked into high gear, seniors had to face a choice: applying to schools early decision (ED) or regular decision (RD). For those who don’t know, the early decision offers students the chance to receive their admission results in the wintertime. However, if accepted the student must attend the college. Meanwhile, regular decision allows applicants more time to work on their applications and receive a later admission result, and it’s non-binding. It’s important to understand both ED and RD have pros and cons. 

When 284s Ivan and Mariia were asked why they chose to ED to UPenn, they both said that they liked the environment and learning opportunities that UPenn provided and wanted to demonstrate to the admission officers their commitment to the school. Mariia added, “It feels like all of Central does [decide to ED] following the herd mentality.” In contrast, our anonymous student said that they think of ED as a “turn off,” as it’s binding. In addition, none of their top schools offered ED. Although RD and ED students may have differing views on their college fit, all were concerned about financial aid. Ivan was interested in work-study or working part-time to help cover tuition. Mariia noticed UPenn is need-based for non-US-Citizens, and our anonymous student said “schools that offer ED would end up too expensive regardless of the Financial Aid Packages.”

Interview, One person doing rd

One person eding upenn

Ivan(ed)

What were some reasons you chose to apply early decision?

I decided to apply early decision because i knew i really liked the school i was applying to (UPENN) and would be willing to commit to it if I did get accepted I also wanted to get my decisions earlier so my applications wouldn’t pile up all for RD

Was/Is financial aid a concern?

Financial aid was a slight concern at first but seeing how most schools are need-based I was assured since my family is low income. Even If I didn’t get a lot of aid me and my family will figure something out, such as getting a part-time job or work study.

Do you have any anticipation/anxiety about your results?

Yes… I’m very anxious about my results since I’ve worked so hard the past three years in high school. I realy want to see it pay off. My family and relatives have high hopes on me too, so that adds extra anxiety

Do you care about the college you end up at?

Kind of theres some college environments I would thrive at and some I wouldn’t

What is your advice for 285 regarding college admissions?

LOCK IN EARLy. Do not, do not, procrastinate on your applications it will bit you at the end. Your junior year matters a lot!

Mariia(Ed)
Me:
What were some reasons you chose to apply early decision?

“Well… feels like all of Central does. Part of it was definitely following the herd mentality and seeing all of my friends apply. I remember in my gym class, Mr.Freeland asked us who is ED-ing to UPenn and almost every senior raised their hand. Another aspect was also gut feeling, something I have relied on a lot during this application season. It just FELT right, especially after spending the summer at Penn and talking to counselors there.”

Was/Is financial aid a concern?

“Oh yes, a huge one actually. Both fortunately and unfortunately for me as a noncitizen UPenn is need-aware for me, so my income factors into my admissions which both gives me some comfort and makes me unimaginably terrified.

Do you have any anticipation/anxiety about your results?

“Both yes and no! I definitely have come to acceptance of whatever result I got for Penn and know I can reach success no matter where I go. However, financial aid and my international applicant status continue to haunt me.

Do you care about the college you end up at?

Little Mariia would have said UPenn is the only option but current Mariia disagrees. At the end of the day, my dream is to save lives, and I can achieve that no matter where I go.

What is your advice for 285 regarding college admissions?

Definitely remember that it’s your mindset that will give you success, not just the college. If you are truly ambitious and passionate, you will be passionate in any college, even if it’s not UPenn. Keep getting yourself out there, explore your passion, and be secure in your dreams, and you will reach success and fulfillment no matter where you go

Tracy(anonymous RD)

What were some reasons you chose to not apply early decision?

“The fact that early decision was binding was kinda an immediate turn off for me. All the schools that offered early decision as opposed to early action were also not my top choices

Was/Is financial aid a concern?

Definitely the schools that offered early decision were gonna end up being too expensive regardless of the financial aid packages that come with EDing

Do you have any anticipation/anxiety about your results?

Definitely anticipation but not so much stress. I already got an acceptance from one of my early action applications so i’m definitely not going to ccp!!overall I just wanna know my results already

Do you care about the college you end up at?

Kinda not really. I just want to enjoy my college experience at a college that will set me up for success when looking for jobs in my major

What is your advice for 285 regarding college admissions?

Don’t stress. Don’t procrastinate. I suggest you submit your ED/Ea applications a few days before the actual deadline. Start setting up your commonapp before senior year(over the summer) and write your common app essay so you don’t need to worry about it