Early Decision (ED) vs. Early Action (EA)

Early Decision (ED) vs. Early Action (EA)

For you student, without a doubt, the most stressful time in the college application process is November. Finishing college choice lists, completing applications, rounding up letters of recommendations, final editing of essays, preparing for year-end exams, and here come the holidays! It’s a lot for everyone in the household to deal with.

For students who applied Early Decision or Early Action, it is also a very stressful time. The ED/EA applicant doesn’t know what the outcome will be and teenagers being, well, teenagers, may have postponed creating their fall back positions. Call us for assistance!



FAFSA Preparation

High school Seniors and one of their parents should file for a FAFSA PIN. www.fafsa.ed.gov


For FAFSA preparation, if you are self employed or own a business, separated or divorced, or have special needs, undoubtedly there will be additional forms to fill out. We are here to help you through this challenging phase of the process.

Seniors

It is up to you to make certain that the guidance counselor or guidance office has all of the application materials to your college choices by their deadlines. They have many students to process and usually will want to receive all of the application materials requests well ahead of the college deadlines.

It is equally important to follow up with the administrator of the guidance counseling department as to what exactly has been accomplished with regards to college application materials. It is suggested that you or your parent contact the admissions office of each college you have applied to and make sure they have everything they require. Don’t expect them to track you down for a missing piece of the application. Make sure your social security numbers match their birth dates as well when you call. A name is not always enough for full verification.

This is also a good time to find out about the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) at the schools your son or daughter is applying to. Every year, more and more students save countless hours and significant dollars through CLEP. These comprehensive examinations are used to award full college credit for demonstrating college-level achievement in a variety of areas and subjects. This program could help ensure that your student finishes in four years vs. five or six!

Juniors

The PSAT/NMSQT test scores from October’s test will be reported this month. If you have concerns, make an appointment with your high school guidance counselor to discuss the results.

Use these scores to learn about your student’s strengths and weaknesses. Then have them work to improve their performance before the real SAT is given. SAT prep courses are a good option, especially individual tutoring. We also recommend subscribing to the College Board’s website and taking the SAT Question of the Day this free service helps a great deal. Downloading free practice tests or purchasing additional ones from the College Board definitely helps when they are used.


Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com