Anyone else get an email today inviting a conversion from RD to ED2? Deadline to respond is 2/23.
Yes. Says everyone got it.
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Thanks. Is this a common thing (for Bucknell or otherwise), or an indication that their ED applicant pool to date was smaller than usual?
Common for many schools.
They need students.
ED is the best sign of demonstrated interest. It doesn’t mean many will fall for it - but they’d rather admit someone who will say yes then take a chance that you say no.
It could be for one of two reasons you would:
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You want to see offers to compare.
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More likely their fear - you’ve gotten into many schools and will say no. This is harder for them.
With a yield of 27%, they know 3 of 4 who are admitted will say no. But they are good on getting EDs - of 1,034 enrollees, exactly half (517) came via ED…this likely includes athletes too.
The school seeks strong students but also seeks assuredness…and that’s why schools do this.
That said, don’t rush to judgement outside you or your family’s comfort zone. If you need to see offers or aren’t sure, stay RD - but make sure to continue to demonstrate interest.
Best of luck.
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Some students, at this point, may have a first choice among their RD schools.
They may have gotten decisions from schools with earlier responses, whether ED, EA, rolling, that have helped them figure out their preferences. They may have a clearer idea of what they are looking for. This is a process that unfolds!
If Bucknell is now the first choice, it could help both the applicant and Bucknell to convert to ED - after the original ED2 deadline.
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My son got one from Hamilton. He applied ED to Williams and was rejected the rest of his schools are regular as he didn’t have a second favorite. Feels like the schools make this such a game.
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This is an effort to boost their numbers. That said, if they asked you to ED, at the very least you are probably a competitive applicant. Do you like Bucknell enough to commit to attending? Are your other choices reachier than Bucknell, or so reachy as to be an almost certain denial? If so,
and if you really like Bucknell, then consider the offer strongly. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
I sometimes think students end up dissatisfied with their choices because they put more stock in the remote possibility than on the thing that’s within reach.
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@massmom2018 , I know that feeling! It is so hard!
But I don’t really think that’s the intent. The AOs have one mandate, and that’s making sure that the class that matriculates next fall meets institutional goals. When they admit the tuba player ED, they know they have that covered. When they have to admit 5, they run the risk of having none. Or 5! With everyone submitting so many applications, it’s become extremely difficult for them to “craft” classes. So for sure, “allowing” a kid to convert to ED at this point is really helpful to them.
While this “late” ED application is a good option for some, I doubt that staying RD will change the outcome for most students. But at the margin, maybe in the example above, being a tuba player becomes a less compelling reason to be admitted. But then again, nobody is that one-dimensional.
That is good to hear that you don’t think it changes the outcome. What my son decided was he wanted to see his options. His siblings got into Colby, Middlebury, etc regular round. Hopefully it will work out for him too.
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Interesting. I wonder if this will delay the ED2 notifications.
I actually think - the institutional goals are beyond the “tuba” player but more “sales” oriented. Just my hyptothesis.
Admission people are sales people - let’s be honest. The student I was working with said Bucknell was amazing on the visit - they did a great sales job (on the tour, etc). His concern is they will come out with RD very late - I think they say before April 1.
Sure - there are priorities and they need to keep their strong reputation. Frankly, it wouldn’t shock me that someone would choose Bucknell over Colby or Middlebury, if it’s the right environment for them. I don’t know their institutional goals but they are over 75% of one race and more than 50% don’t get need (some do get merit - not sure if they are the same kids who get need or separate - but about 8% got merit). That said, for domestic applicants they are need blind so I can’t say for sure they focus on wealth…vs. some others that clearly do. But it does seem they attract (for whatever reason) a wealthy, white student.
I agree that if someone demonstrates interest, they remain strong if academically qualified.
If you look at the most recent CDS, 34% received admission.
Take out ED applicants, and it’s 31% if I did the math right - so that’s good - not a huge dropoff.
Either way - as long as you have an assured and affordable admit - and as you said your son wants to compare, you’re in good shape.
Best of luck.
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Depends on whether every RD applicant received this email, or only select applicants received it. The latter indicates a higher likelihood of admission if you go for it.
I agree. I assumed the latter.
That’s also what I would assume, but a poster above said everyone got it.
The poster is almost certainly not acquainted with everyone who applied to Bucknell.
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All domestic applicants got it.
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I’m wondering if this ED2 extension holds weight or is just going to be another game to benefit the school and a total let down for the applicants- tough year to be applying to college !
Have they said when the “new” ED2 would be released? Good luck to everyone!