Please help talk me off the ledge!

3bysmom · 11-04-2009, 12:59 PM

S2 applied (application complete) SCEA to Tulane 3 wks ago. App says "quick decision!" "usually within two weeks!" so we wait, and wait. Today it updates to "your decision is pending review. We will try to get you a decision in just a few weeks, but you will receive a decision by December 15 at the latest"

WHAT??!! This feels like changing the rules midstream. The plan was that if he applied SCEA and was deferred or rejected (which is possible) we would have an opportunity to call some of those other schools and have them convert his already submitted RD application to EA. Of course this would have to happen by their EA deadline (mid nov'ish). Now it feels like they (Tualne) are stringing him along so that he won't have the opportunity. Am I being paranoid?

fauve · 11-04-2009, 01:08 PM

That is outrageous! You might consider calling or emailing Tulane, and say you will be withdrawing his application within seven (or fewer) days if you do not hear a firm response from them. That way you still have time to change his RD app to ED.

How very unprofessional for the school to bill the process as quick decision, then hide behind the "usually" within two weeks wording!

P.S. Back away from the edge slooowly, now.

3bysmom · 11-04-2009, 01:22 PM

Does that effectively black mark him though? Despite my indignation, it still remains his first choice.

k4r3n2 · 11-04-2009, 01:33 PM

Er, maybe it's because I'm not a parent, but I don't exactly understand what the issue is. It seems that you wanted to get his SCEA decision back in time to essentially 'beat the system' with other colleges - but this is in blatant violation of the contract that he signed. The only way I can see this working out in your favor is if he's rejected from Tulane, and even then, I would imagine that schools would want to know why you're changing your RD applications to EA. It's even possible that Tulane will make available a list of its SCEA applicants to other schools, who will see that your son has violated their contract, possibly jeopardizing his other applications.

I'm also kind of confused about why Tulane should rush to handle your son's case - I'd imagine that they're reviewing the applicants in the order that the applications were received, and that they probably have a lot of reviewing to do around this time, considering that most students have probably submitted their applications in the previous few weeks. Why should your son's case get reviewed ahead of everyone else's?

In conclusion, I think you should wait patiently. I think it's fair to get upset that Tulane isn't getting back to you quickly, but I don't see how any good can come of you asking the admissions office to hurry up.

parent56 · 11-04-2009, 01:45 PM

3bysmom, give admissions a quick call and explain what your understanding of the 2 weeks was, maybe they can speed it up for you now. my son applied with the prefferred app reg decision but got his reply within 2 weeks, maybe the 2 weeks didnt apply to scea?

rodney · 11-04-2009, 01:50 PM

also, and I'm not playing devil's advocate or chatising you; just stating a fact:

This is Tulane's first year using SCEA; I totally agree that if there was a possibility that the decision was going to be dragged out until Dec, they should have let you know that prior to applying.....but in all honesty, not sure they could have known that in advance given that this is the first year they have done this.....

By applying SCEA, yes, you agreed that your son would not apply anywhere else EA....however, this does not eliminate you from applying anywhere EDII....

In my opinion, I think SCEA is really stupid, especially in the case of Tulane that has had yield issues in the past...they just should have reinstated ED if they wanted to offer applicants a chance to demonstrate interest.....they think they did you a favor by not binding you.....I don't agree.....

mom2collegekids · 11-04-2009, 01:59 PM

oops....got my answer

3bysmom · 11-04-2009, 02:04 PM

I see the the ethical dilemma here and no, I am not 100% comfortable with it, but it did seem to fall just on this side of ok. Maybe it is playing the system, and this is his comeuppance for contemplating an end run.

ttparent · 11-04-2009, 02:20 PM

> App says "quick decision!" "usually within two weeks!"

It's not clear to me who or where this is being said. Was this verbal or written? Tulane website is pretty clear what is their policy for SCEA, which says they have until Dec 15 to decide:

Tulane Admission: Application Instructions

Why didn't you apply EA instead if you want to do EA at other schools?

JustAMomOf4 · 11-04-2009, 02:25 PM

if your son wants to go to Tulane he should just pick up the phone and call his admissions counselor and ask for an explanation.
Of course, he should use his "I'm confused" and "just curious" tone - as opposed to his *what the heck* and *my mom is ready to jump!* tone.

Hang in there, it will all be over by May

3bysmom · 11-04-2009, 02:27 PM

On the "preferred app" it absolutely used the words "quick decision" and "usually two weeks"

JustAMomOf4 · 11-04-2009, 02:29 PM

^
That is the question he needs to ask.

ttparent · 11-04-2009, 02:32 PM

But do you really want to call and ask them to please give me a quick decision so I can do EA somewhere else? That is not exactly putting your best foot forward.

3togo · 11-04-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

But do you really want to call and ask them to please give me a quick decision so I can do EA somewhere else? That is not exactly putting your best foot forward

I agree with this thought ... I can't think of why the delay is good news (possiblilies ... Tulane is in their first year of SCEA and hasn't got any decisions out ... they've sent out some acceptences but your child is on the fence and they're still thinking about it). I would think pushing for a decision is pushing towards a rejection ... that said, asking politely about the delay is more than OK.

glido · 11-04-2009, 02:43 PM

research some good EA II school and get ready to rumble. If Tulane really is his first choice, then just don't call them at all. He will knwo by December 15th - That beats April 1st. Relax.