I think that confirms Wis75 and my view. It does not "help" to apply early--especially with a weaker record where they will likely want Fall grades. If you have a strong record it helps in that you get a faster response and can plan around that answer. But does not make the bar higher or lower overall.
Not helping isn't the same as hurting. Note also the term is early NOTIFICATION, not decision/action as used by other schools in admitting students. They started this just a few years ago. It isn't possible to use chances from early in this decade as the numbers of applicants has been soaring. Logically getting materials in earlier takes away the stress and makes sure deadlines are met. Don't overthink things, students- get the app done.
Ahh, you all said things I had already thought of. Thats why I posted it here. Just FYI, my grades don't suck, and I have 24 college credits completed because of CIS classes and going PSEO. I had one C, and while I take full responsibility for it, I can honestly say that a better professer would have meant a better grade. I'm debating whether I should redeem myself with another science class fall semester, or should I go for it because I already know Madison is my top choice? I heard colleges generally accept more applicants during the first decision period, but I don't want to risk getting denied because one bad grade. I'd like to know the answer to ClassicRockerDad's previous question.
NO, according to UW. But if you get postponed which many do it will be a LONG wait. Your alternative is to have a great Fall semester and avoid the postponed bin. So there is some strategy too.
The new UW adcom said that the guidelines are the same for both periods and to make sure applications are received on time. It was also said that they encourage early applications.
The new UW adcom DIDN'T say that students whose applications could be enhanced by mid-year grades risk nothing by applying early. That's what I was hoping to see, and I didn't see it. The post said that students who haven't been denied yet would benefit from submitting mid-term grades. Those who have been denied seem to be out-of-luck.
Obviously if it was clear to me, I wouldn't keep asking.
Well, that's why I said there is some strategy if you are borderline. With wholistic UW admissions it is never cut and dried. We saw kids rejected we thought were nearly sure things. They will not give you a cut and dried answer.
So barrons, on the one hand you are saying that there is no downside to applying early other than having to wait a LONG time. But on the other hand, there were "kids rejected we thought were nearly sure things". How can we be sure that their 7th semester grades wouldn't have pushed them over the hump, in which case, it MIGHT have hurt to apply early.
Also, back in 2007 when I went to an information session with D1, they made it pretty clear that with rolling admissions, that the bar would increase over time as they filled their class. In other words, it was much less selective if you applied before the priority deadline than after the priority deadline. That's WHY they encouraged students to apply early.
However, UWMadisonAdmiss said that the guidelines is always the same, in which case, it seems like if you are borderline, then it's disadvantageous to apply early, but they encourage early application anyway so that you meet the deadlines, which does not seem like a really good reason. I mean obviously if you don't meet the deadlines, the application doesn't get read. That's where the "dead" part of deadline comes from.
So you see, as the parent of a potentially borderline kid who would probably benefit from showing mid-term grades, but might be admittable anyway because of the high SAT, I am still quite unsure as to what the best strategy would be to maximize the chances of getting in with all other non-admissions related considerations aside.
It would seem like something that the admissions office would be capable of advising on but simply chooses not to. Other admissions offices (not rolling or priority) have made it clear that if you need your 7th semester grades to put you over the hump, then don't apply early.
LOL, I'm still hoping that UWMadisonAdmiss would be kind enough to clarify for me. I do appreciate having someone "official" on this board. One can hope right?
You might want to read the thread at UVa discussing exactly the same question with exactly the same answer I gave here. Basically it depends and nobody will tell you much more. But there would be more room for the UW applicant to have a great Fall that might help.
