Has there been a change in LAC early acceptance practices?

Parents Forum
1

<p>Four years ago, when our D was applying to top-tier LACs, she got some “early acceptance” letters in late Feb through mid March. (These are early, non-binding acceptances to schools where she applied RD).</p>

<p>This year, S hasn’t heard from any non-ED schools–and it doesn’t seem like other applicants to his schools (Carleton, Grinnell, CMC, Pomona, Whitman . . .) have either. </p>

<p>Are colleges rethinking the early acceptance/ early letters practises? </p>

<p>Note: I am not certain whether I like the “early acceptance” practice, but it WAS reassuring.</p>

2

<p>Last year, I got an early acceptance at Macalester in late February. I heard from all of my other schools (Carleton, Colorado College, Grinnell, Oberlin, Pomona, Reed, and Whitman) throughout March. My last acceptance, Oberlin, came around March 29th.</p>

3

<p>Uh, EA schools are specific schools. So chances are they didn’t apply to any this year, and they’ll just hear back at the regular time.</p>

4

<p>I think you are referring to early writes (not EA or ED). Some LACs do these, some don’t. Those that do early writes will probably be sending them out soon.</p>

5

<p>o.k., rephrase question to be “early writes.” Four years ago, there seemed to be a lot of top LACs sending out early admissions letters to RD applicants. This year, I am not seeing them. Any idea what is up?</p>

6

<p>Could it have to do with the growing number of applications at these schools?</p>

7

<p>Honestly, the most likely scenario is simply that your S is a less attractive candidate in his year’s context than your D was. Early writes are only sent out to the top X% of accepted students. I know several people who have gotten them, from multiple top LACs.</p>

<p>IIRC Pomona does not participate in the practice, also.</p>

8

<p>what top LACs have sent out early writes already this year?</p>

9

<p>OP, at least four of the five LACs you mentioned in your post have not sent early writes this year: 1) Carleton hasn’t done early writes for at least 4 years; 2) Whitman doesn’t do early writes; 3) last year, Grinnell sent early writes in late February, but so far has not sent any this year; 4) Keil says Pomona doesn’t do early writes, and I have no reason to doubt her; 5) don’t know about CMC.</p>

<p>As for your other question, I know that Amherst and Williams have sent out early writes this year.</p>

<p>Hope that helps.</p>

10

<p>Williams and Amherst have both sent out early write acceptances this year.</p>

11

<p>Definitely Amherst, Oberlin, and Macalester. Plus reliable CC reports (multiple and/or regular poster) on Mt. Holyoke and Williams.</p>

12

<p>S received an early write from Oberlin in mid-February and one from Macalester about March 1. Also one from Cornell sometime in early March that was a surprise.</p>

13

<p>I think CMC is telling students to check online on Wednesday 3/24 at 5PM (so slightly early)</p>

14

<p>swarthmore has also already sent out early writes</p>