Two months ago, I mentioned a great little LAC to my son. At the time, he didn’t show much interest in it and did not apply to it. A couple of weeks ago, he revisited the idea, researched the school and changed his mind. In fact, he really loves it now. It’s a well-respected school, offers a good fit for his major/minor, and is on the CTCL list. So, he sent in his application.
A few days ago, the Director of Admissions & FinAid sent him an email saying they liked his application a lot and that although his application was received well past their EA deadline, nearly a month past it, they would move him into the EA side if he wished. That means he’ll receive a decision in a couple of weeks instead of three months from now. Of course he said yes.
My question: Does this mean anything? This school does not have rolling admissions. He’s excited about this and I’m not sure how to answer his questions about the significance of the Director’s offer to move him to EA.
He’s received offers from other AOs to move from EA or RD to ED. I can understand those offers, because schools are looking to lock in more full-pay families (of which we are not one .) But offering to move a student from RD to EA doesn’t seem to benefit the school except if they really want that student to attend. Especially when said school is already aware we are seeking FinAid. Or am I missing something?
I can’t definitively answer your question, but that sure sounds positive. It would certainly be a poopy thing to contact your S, say nice things about his app, request this move from RD to EA, and then reject him. I expect he will hear good news…but one never knows until the acceptance is in hand.
I’d assume he’s in but don’t count your chickens before they hatch. The school is hoping that the personal reach out and the EA acceptance earlier in the cycle will help make your son more likely to strongly consider the school as his final choice.
@doschicos , I think the offer to move him to EA and an actual acceptance would influence him.
There are two schools he’s waiting to hear from that would probably eliminate any other offer that wasn’t full-pay. However, there is a chance he’ll be denied at both those schools.
Of the remaining schools, this CTCL school will be a strong contender if they actually accept him. And attention like this from the university will make a difference to him when it comes time to make the final decision.
@EconPop , when we were going through this, DS applied to a CTCL school EA. He was accepted with nice merit. He was also invited to apply for another scholarship that was related to an activity he did. They also offered him an opportunity to fly in to visit with that “affinity group” in Feb. (He was also offered the option of a fly in in spring after other decisions had been received. ) But the EA timing gave him a chance for additional $ as well as additional points of connection with the school. (This also included a connection with a coach!) So all in all, it gave both DS a little extra time to explore the merits of that school. (And he did visit and found the classroom experience to be one of the best in all his revisits.)
Although DS did not ultimately choose this school, it really earned a fond spot in my heart. I have referred other students there. And FWIW, it was this school that really enlightened me on the quality of education available at some of the lesser known schools.
So I would guess that this is good news for your son and that the school is hoping that by sending a decision early, it might be good news for them too. Of course, it’s not final, but I think it’s positive.
That’s good to hear, @gardenstategal . Hopefully, great aid comes with this. And a fly-in would be nice if they ended up offering.
I’m impressed with the quality of education offered at these type of schools, too. And the smaller class sizes and professor-student interaction. My son would definitely benefit from a school that transforms B students into A graduates.
In this time of max level admissions workload, it’s inconceivable that a Dean of admissions would reach out like this without the intention of making an offer. No proof of course. Just mho.
Just received THREE large envelopes in the mail, all announcing acceptance. I’m surprised at how fast the entire process went.
And honestly, I’m a little baffled that they did this so quickly. While I love my son to death and think he’s the best son ever, he’s not a stats rock star, he won’t play collegiate sports, and he hasn’t started his own non-profit or anything like that. He is a well-rounded, mature (relatively speaking ) young man capable of excelling in college, whose high school stats don’t immediately reveal that. He was certainly in the running for a school like this, but I wouldn’t expect this sort of effort on their part. But I appreciate it.
BTW the school is Alle g heny. If anyone has any horror stories I should know, let me know. I have heard and read nothing but good things … but maybe someone knows about some skeletons I missed.
Have heard good things about Allegheny, but also that it’s academically rigorous, with a required senior project. They also stack aid.
Met with an impressive AO a couple of months ago (offsite) who said average graduating GPA is less than 3.0…I’m pretty sure he was talking across the entire class, but that could be something to discuss with your S’s AO and/or students. Depending on intended major and goals (e.g. ,med school, law school, etc.), knowing average GPA could be helpful.
@Mwfan1921 , it was definitely a confidence boost for him. Especially considering a personalized acceptance letter that spoke specifically to some of the personal facts he mentioned in his application and essays. That sort of personal touch hasn’t appeared in his previous acceptance letter.
Further morale boosting came in the form of a scholarship that reduced the COA by more than half, before they consider need-based FinAid. After a defer here and a denied there, and an acceptance with minuscule FinAid, this was a nice pick-me-up for him.
Allegheny has always enjoyed a good reputation in the greater Pittsburgh area… They also have very good support for kids with LDs who need it. And a nice student body. Hats off to your son. I think he sounds like he would be a valued member of the community for being a solid all-rounder, so it doesn’t surprise me that they pursued him.
I think the personal attention they showed through admissions says a lot about how they see and treat students there too. Some places are just set up to be a little more “personal”.
.) But offering to move a student from RD to EA doesn’t seem to benefit the school except if they really want that student to attend. Especially when said school is already aware we are seeking FinAid. Or am I missing something?