<p>A relative (HS senior) is applying to his flagship state university, which is a reach for him. He could hear back any time before now and June-ish. He has decided not to apply to any other schools until hearing back from this one. He has also visited–and liked–a much less selective state school that would probably be a guaranteed admit (I don’t know his exact stats, so I’m not 100% sure, but it’s very likely the case). This school accepts applications pretty much until fall semester starts; if he doesn’t get into flagship state u, he could theoretically still apply to the other school as late as this summer and in all likelihood, be admitted. Of course, if he gets into the flagship, this all happily becomes a moot point.</p>
<p>I’m curious of what you all think of this application strategy. On one hand, I guess it potentially saves an application fee, but on the other hand, it seems like it might be more prudent/calming to have an acceptance, even from a “back up” school, in hand early on, just to know you’ve gotten in <em>somewhere</em>. The less selective school has a very easy application–no essays–so the time saved would be minimal.</p>
<p>Are finances or scholarships a factor? I think it’s very risk if he’s going to need any FA other than loans or if he wants to be considered for scholarships by the second school.</p>
<p>He will go to college either way, so the clear purpose of a safety is fulfilled. However, he might miss out on housing or scholarship opportunities at the less selective school if he waits until the last minute to apply. Two isn’t too many; I’d probably apply now.</p>
<p>A flagship state university that doesn’t have a May 1 commit date? I’m surprised. In any case I’m not sure I know enough about the institutions to make a constructive assessment. Good luck with this.</p>
<p>Have him apply to both. If money is an issue I think you can check with your Guidance Counselor for information regarding an application fee waiver.</p>
<p>As a parent I don’t think I could handle the extra stress of not having a “back up plan”</p>
<p>Yep, a combination of waitlisting and the generally huge number of applications the flagship school receives, though I think most applicants do probably hear by April. Both schools have roughly the same COA, and merit aid/non-loan FA, while it would of course be helpful, is probably unlikely at either school (the less selective school offers very little merit money regardless).</p>
<p>His parents would really like him to apply to “back up” school now, but he seems very set on waiting to hear from the flagship before submitting any other applications, reasoning that the flagship is his top choice anyway.</p>
<p>I think he should indulge his parents on this…it’s not going to take him a significant amount of time and at least they’ll rest easier knowing that the second app is in. In addition to FA and housing considerations, even the less popular state schools may be seeing many more applications now due to the current economy so he could end up waitlisted for both schools if he waits til April-June to apply. It doesn’t sound like he’s really happy with his safety choice…is he actually willing to enroll there if necessary? Maybe he should be looking at other backups.</p>
<p>I don’t understand the point of not applying to second choice school now. He really needs to get <em>something</em> in hand, just in case flagship doesn’t happen. Application fees are not that much. If that was the issue, as a relative, I might gift him the fee for a holiday present. Perhaps along with sweatshirt for the preferred school …</p>
<p>^
After seeing a classmate in high school wear his WUSTL sweatshirt everyday (and I mean EVERY day–even in club pictures where everyone else was wearing a uniform shirt, he was wearing it) senior year only to apply ED and be rejected, I don’t I would get someone clothing from a reach school before they were admitted. (Funny thing is, the kid counted wearing the sweatshirt–although not quite as frequently–even after he had committed to another school).</p>
<p>Anyway, relative has yet to hear back from the flagship and as far as I know hasn’t applied elsewhere. I don’t think the app fee is an issue, though, so much as the fact he just has his mind firmly set on the flagship unless that becomes a non-possibility. However, from looking briefly at CC threads, people who applied there about the same time he he did are starting to hear back, so hopefully, he’ll hear back soon (and hopefully it’ll be good news!).</p>
<p>Kids here do that all the time. They apply to a more desirable school, knowing if it doesn’t work out they can go to the regional state univ. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but they do often lose out on some easy-to-get scholarship dollars from the regional state univ. because they miss the priority application deadline for them.</p>
<p>^Haha…I just submitted a back-up for my S! He had actually filled out the fairly simple on-line app but, when I asked him last night if it was submitted, he said that he was “stuck” on the last page. The last page was “Print and mail this page with your application fee”! Okay…</p>
<p>Good idea, lol. The schools actually both use the same app, so I don’t think they would have to fill in, much if any, info. Maybe that would feel dishonest to the parents, though?</p>
<p>Update: Relative got into flagship state u but fell in love with a private university with decent merit aid while waiting. He’s pretty sure he’ll be choosing the private u, but I don’t think he’s officially declined the flagship state u’s offer yet. Glad it worked out for him one way or another! :)</p>
The schools actually both use the same app, so I don’t think they would have to fill in, much if any, info. Maybe that would feel dishonest to the parents, though?</p>