Applying Early Is A Scam

The TRUTH about applying early

As college application season rolls in, it’s natural for many high school seniors to consider applying early to their dream schools. Among these institutions are the Ivy League colleges, viewed as the crème de la crème in the world of higher education. Many students apply strategically to ensure higher chances of admission. This is why it’s not uncommon for students to hear whispers about applying early to the Ivies being the key to success. After all, doesn’t it give applicants a leg up in the admissions process? But here’s the truth – applying early to Ivies is a scam. Unless you have specific advantages, you’re not more likely to get in. Here, we’ll discuss why applying early to Ivies isn't the best course of action for most people and what you should do instead.

Regular Decision Is Treated Equally

It's common for students to think that applying early gives them a better chance of getting into their dream schools. However, the reality is that Ivies treat their early decision and regular decision applicants equally. Ivies typically have a certain number of spots reserved for each round of admissions. Even if a school were to admit the majority of its entering class from the early pool, they would not accept a student simply because they applied early. The admissions department is always looking for the best-fit candidates and evaluates every application holistically, regardless of the application round.

 Applying Early Is a Binding Agreement

Keep in mind that applying to any school early is a binding agreement that implies if you get into the school, you must attend it. While it may sound like a good deal to know where you'll be attending college months before the rest of the applicants, it only works if you can afford it. You might not know the amount of financial aid you will receive if you apply early, meaning that you could end up attending a college you can't afford. Unless you know your family can afford to pay the full price of the school without looking into aid, applying early to Ivies might not be the wisest choice.

More Time to Perfect Your Application

One of the main advantages of applying in the regular decision pool is that you have more time to perfect your application. You’ll have an extra couple of months to prepare your supplemental essays, finalize your test scores, and provide any new information you might have. Admissions officers can tell when an applicant is rushed, which can lessen your chances of getting into your dream school. Take the extra time to fine-tune your application, and you’ll be much more likely to get into your desired college.

Some Advantages of Applying Early

Admittedly, some groups of students may benefit from applying early to Ivies. Legacy students recruited athletes, and students with specific hardship stories may have a better chance of getting accepted in the early round. Genius-level award-winners like Intel Science Talent Search awardees may also benefit from early admission. However, if you don't fall into any of these categories, you will be better off taking extra time to submit an excellent application.

Applying early to Ivies is a scam. Unless you have any advantages listed above, there's no reason to rush your application. By taking your time and perfecting your application, you are more likely to make an excellent impression on the admissions officers. Ivies treat all their applicants equally and don't give preferential treatment based on the application round. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is devote time and effort to creating an excellent application that will make you proud. Remember to avoid falling for the myth of applying early to Ivies being a surefire way to get in.

Scared you’re misinformed on other things related to College Admissions? Ready to make your application shine in the eyes of an admissions officer?

The Ivy League Roadmap will give you a clear and concise guide to follow. A book designed to guide you along this difficult and confusing journey. This comprehensive resource will provide you with invaluable insights and strategies, to navigate the admissions process successfully and debunk COMMON MYTHS you may have heard from misinformed parents, counselors, and friends.  

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