Early Action and Early Decision

To start things off, I'll answer one of the most common questions soon-to-be applicants have: what is the difference between applying Early Action and applying Early Decision? People often mix them up, but there is a crucial difference between the two.

Early Decision (ED)- If you apply to a school Early decision, you are indicating that this school is your top choice, and if you get in, you will definitely be going there. You can only apply Early decision to one school. You can still apply regular admission to other schools if you apply Early decision somewhere, but if the ED school accepts you, you have to withdraw all of your other applications. Applying Early decision requires that you submit your application earlier than if you apply regular admission, usually around November 1st. You should hear from the college about a month later. If you apply Early decision, you will receive your Financial Aid package along with your acceptance letter.

Early Action (EA)- Applying to a school Early action requires that you submit your application earlier than if you apply regular admission, usually around November 1st. The school will give you an admission decision earlier than if you apply regular decision, quite often before winter break. Unlike ED, you don't have to tell the EA school whether you are going there until May 1st, the same as the schools you apply regular admission to! So you have a lot more time to decide whether or not you are going to go to that school. You can apply Early action to as many schools as you want. If you apply somewhere Early action, you will not receive your Financial Aid package until sometime around April 1st.

Restrictive Early Action-Like Early action, Restrictive EA is non-binding (means you don't have to go there if you get in), but if you apply Restrictive EA to a school, you have to sign a contract saying that you won't apply EA, ED, or Restrictive EA anywhere else. You can still apply regular admission to other schools. You will receive your admission decision early but will not have to respond until May 1st.

For example, here is the link to Stanford University's description of Restricted EA and Regular decision: http://admission.stanford.edu/application/decision_process/index.html

One of the advantages of applying Early decision is that quite often you have a better chance of getting into the school, because you are showing them that they are your top choice, and that if they accept you they can expect you to enroll. Another advantage is that because there is a much smaller applicant pool for ED than for regular admissions, you have a higher chance of being accepted. If there is one school that you are absolutely positive you want to go to, and you can afford to pay any amount up to the full tuition price, then Early decision may be right for you.

That said, there are some negative aspects to applying Early decision as well. First, many students apply ED to a school so that they have a better chance of getting in, even if it is not their top choice. You are binding yourself to one school and one school only, which is a big decision for someone only 17 years old. If you are not absolutely positive that this is the school you want to spend the next 4 years, you shouldn't risk it. You also have to be prepared for whatever kind of financial aid package they give you.  You don't want to end up paying more then you can comfortably afford.

Isabel

I'd Like to Introduce Myself

Hello ICE College Blog Readers,

As Jennifer Wells' Intern I will be taking over the college blog this semester! Over the next few months I will be making posts about pretty much any college related things. Some topics that I've considered are the application process, visits to colleges, college profiles, my own experience in the process, taking the SAT/ACT, the Common App, and as much more as I can think of.  I recently attended one of the college advisement classes for 11th graders and took note of their concerns and things they would like to see on the ICE College Blog, and I will be making posts on those and trying to answer as many questions and clarify as much as I can about the college process as possible. My experience applying to schools went relatively smoothly, so I will also be interviewing people who may have had a more complicated or difficult time applying. On top of that, I will eventually be interviewing Danielle and Pete about their college experiences as well.

If anyone has any questions about anything or suggestions for what I should post about, they can email me at isabel.v.paul@gmail.com. All in all, I hope to bring this blog back to life and keep it as well written and organized as Jennifer did when she used it, and to provide a good source for confused students who are on their way to the college journey, or for those who are just curious about how it all works.

Isabel

Maya's College Post #2

Hi again! To the Class of 2013!

Maya, Assistant Coach Utica Football Team

 I remember this time last year I was stressing out over school work, applying to college and finding the right internship. So I am hoping that I can give you some words of wisdom to hopefully release some of your stress!

It is ok if you choose to be an undecided major. In a couple of weeks I will be finishing my first semester at Utica College and I have met some great friends who happen to be undecided majors. College is a great time to realize what type of person you are. If you are undecided, you can take general education courses so that you can be exposed to different subjects and learn what you like and dislike. The professors at UC are also great! They answer my late night emails, they are always in their office during office hours and they will work with you to make sure you pass the course you are struggling with. They will also help you find the passion you have been looking for if you have lost it.

What college you choose, is your choice! I can’t stress this enough! If you want a small school then go to a small school. If you want a college that only serves pizza on Tuesdays then go. Do you get my point? I know that in my future I want to work for the NY Jets, so I needed a college that had a football program so that I will be able to get the working experience. I ended up falling in love with the Utica College Pioneers football program and the first day of classes, I started working as an office assistant. The Head Coach saw how much of a hard worker I am. He called me one day while I was taking a nap (naps will become your best friend!) to ask me if I would become the new Assistant Manager! Of course I said “Yes!” and now I manage the players during practice and game days and help out the coaches as much as I can. I love it! I even love 6am Tuesday morning practice.

I.C.E teachers are your friends, not enemies. I definitely believe that all the teachers at I.C.E have prepared me for the workload at college. As I finished my 1^st  English essay, my other classmates were still figuring out what is a thesis of statement. I understand what is expected out of me and I am able to work on different assignments at the same time. I can’t even express on how many text messages I get at night from different people asking about homework assignments. We all have gotten mad at one teacher at some point in our ICE careers, but believe me when I say this; they are here to help you! They want to make your life easier. They will pass you if you show how hard you have been working. Trust me, they do not want you in this building any longer then you have to! lol!

You’re not a failure if you go to plan B. I must have written around 6 cover letters for different internships, applied to 5 colleges and visited 1 college. But at the end, there was that one cover letter that gave me a great internship and I found a college that fits me great. I can honestly say that all the hard work that I went through at I.C.E has paid off big time. College is so much fun and I hope you guys realize that you are almost there! Just give it some time and things will work out fine.

all my best,
Maya

Maya with friends at Utica College

Return to I.C.E.

Dear I.C.E. Seniors,

Welcome back after Hurricane Sandy!!!               

Talk about a disruption during the college process!  Many of us went without power and were unable to submit college applications, put the finishing touches on essays and reach out to our recommendation writers.  But now, at last, we are back and making up for lost time!

Just a few things that I would like to remind you of----

List all of your schools on Naviance.

Once you apply then check off that you have applied on Naviance.

Request that your transcript be sent on Naviance.

Thank the teachers that write your recommendations.

Track your application with the college you are applying to and on Naviance.

Apply to your SUNYs and CUNYs by Thanksgiving.

Questions?  Come and see me in the College Office--3rd floor.

Jennifer

JOHN JAY COLLEGE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE

I recently attended the CUNY Fall Counselor Update, held at John Jay College for Criminal Justice.  

I have not visited John Jay in a while and I had heard very little about the new building......what an incredible surprise when I entered the lobby and from there on it was marvel after marvel!  The John Jay campus is truly stunning and equally stunning are the array of classes and majors.  I left that afternoon knowing that John Jay College is a jewel in New York City and the CUNY system.  The course offerings and the beauty of the space offer a rewarding college experience.

Majors at John Jay include:  Humanities and Justice, Law and Society, Economics,

English, Gender Studies.  For a complete list go to  www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/622.php

JAY WALK

NEW CLASSROOM @ JOHN JAY

What is surely now the centerpiece of the John Jay community is the park that sits above the streets of Manhattan between 2 of the John Jay buildings.  It is beautiful--gardens, places to sit and study, talk, or have lunch.  A wonderful space for students and faculty to enjoy.

The other news at John Jay is that the college is now part of Macaulay Honors College!

If you are considering college in NYC, then I advise that you check out John Jay College, it might be the place for you.

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How to Apply

Seniors get ready to apply!!!  

Deciding....................

Begin by going to the webpages of colleges you have been considering and check the Profile of Admitted Students.  Below I have listed examples from Skidmore College, Cornell University, and SUNY New Paltz.  

www.skidmore.edu/about/facts/Skidmore-Facts.pdf 

admissions.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/Class%20Profile%202016.pdf

www.newpaltz.edu/admissions/freshmen.html

Once you have done this, compile your list----chose a reach, then look for targets and likely Colleges.

 This first step is critical and one to take your time and think about.

                                                     

Now take your list of colleges to Naviance

www.naviance.com and add them on
Colleges I Am Applying To 
(be sure to mark your schools RD, EA, ED).  

Next, ask a teacher for a recommendation; once they have agreed, add the teacher's name on the Naviance drop down menu.  Be sure to thank your teachers and remind them to upload their letters on Naviance.

Next you have to (if you have not already done so) go to the Common Application www.commonapp.org and create a username and password.  

Then, back to Naviance and sign the FERPA agreement.  Do you, or do you not waive your rights to see your application at the school you attend?  Check your favored box (I would vote for a waive, but it is up to you) then enter your Common App username and password.  

Now that you have Naviance in place you are ready to apply!!!!  You will apply to MOST of your colleges on the Common Application.*   A reminder, be sure to fill out supplements, pay the fee (unless you are fee waiver eligible)  and make sure you submit your applications.

Once you submit your application, send me an email.  Let me know if you will need for me to submit SAT/ACT scores.  Many of these scores you will be submitting through the ACT or the College Board websites.

Any questions?  Come and see me.  Many of your questions can be cleared up during our pre-application meeting.  If you have not made an appointment, please do.

*You may also use the SUNY application----EOP candidates should absolutely use the SUNY app; and everyone will use the CUNY application......and, just to mix it up---some colleges will use their own applications.

Keep me posted on your progress,
Jennifer

Guest Blogger - Maya

Freshman Year Here I Come

By Maya Ana Callender

Maya at Utica College

Hey class of 2013! 

While you all are preparing to go into your last year at ICE I just got back home from taking my first steps as a college freshman on the UC campus. In the fall I will be going to Utica College which is upstate about 4 hours away.  I will be majoring in business management. After spending an overnight freshman orientation at the college, there are some things I wanted to share with you. 

Economic Crime, Justice Studies, and Cybersecurity Building
@ Utica College

First off, don’t be nervous! It’s human to be scared going into a new environment without knowing anyone, but everyone is in the same position as you, so just be yourself! Within minutes, freshman’s started to introduce ourselves which always started with “What’s your name? What’s your major? Where are you from?” It was the perfect starter for a conversation! I meet people from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Upstate New York and even Texas! We even exchanged our numbers! After the amazing party they threw for us, a group of us went back to the dorms to just talk and hangout like we have been in college for years. It felt great! 

The upperclassmen told us some personal college events which they could take back and events that they will look back on years from now laughing. One of the cheers they taught us were “U, C, Moose” And while you say it you have to make a U with your arms, C with your arms then a moose’s ears with your hands on your head. Try it!

"U, C, Moose!"

Second of all, stay safe! No one is controlling you in college do to the right things. It is up to you to know when to say no, go to class and take a break. For example, have emergency money in your wallet, let a couple of friends know where you are going and have the campus police number in your phone. If you’re going to drink, know your limit and make sure you see the drink being poured in the cup! Or just don’t drink! You don’t     need a glass of beer to have fun. 

Third thing is everyone knows they have to learn how to do laundry, but also learn how to cook! Even though most of your meals will be coming from the dining hall and other restaurants on campus, there may be a moment you want to heat up some food in the kitchen. So some advice the upperclassmen gave were, don’t put pizza in the oven with it still in the pizza box and don’t leave your popcorn in the microwave for an hour. Apparently last year freshman’s set off 12 fire alarms for cooking mistakes. 

Also, college is all about TIME MANAGEMENT. You guys definitely need to find some type of studying method before you go to college because no one wants to be that person who drops out because you were partying too hard. You get to pick your schedule, when to study, what to study and when to have fun. For example I picked all of my classes between 10:30am – 3:20pm. Depending on the day I have 2 or 3 classes and around 4 maybe 5 hours to study, then get some dinner and even go to a party or sporting event if I want. If I need to study more, I will give myself more time to study and if you need extra help, ask for it before you even start classes, it will help out when you are in need of a tutor! 

Last but not least, everything actually works out in the end! Trust me! I was so nervous during this whole college process that I wish I could go back and relax a little bit. ICE Seniors, try to read up about as many colleges as possible because you may never know what you like. Also, it is perfectly ok if you don’t know what you want to study in. College is all about self discovery and no one will judge, so have fun this last year and I hope you guys find your dream college like I did! 

Utica College

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Maya.  We look forward to hearing from you next year.  Wishing you a great college experience!!!


                                                 Jennifer