College Admission Help

College Admission News: Benefits of Early College Planning Debated

By Candice Evans
Staff Writer
Delaware Media Group
PRINCESS ANNE -- As students scramble to meet fast-approaching college application deadlines, they are often told to "look beyond the name" in Greg Montressor's guidance office.
"Picking a college requires a lot of thought and research," said Montressor, who schedules appointments with Washington High School seniors during the college selection process. "I always ask, 'Have you had a chance to visit the campus yet?' "
Last week, the National Association for College Admission Counseling released new research that suggests high school students avoid the college early-admissions frenzy because they may be more likely to regret their decision later in life.
"Many young people are being pressured into making college choices before they are developmentally ready," said Michigan State University sociologist Barbara Schneider, author of a report that examines the psychological and social implications of admission policies.
Though she said that case "has yet to be made empirically," she cites her forthcoming research, implying "students who make these choices very early without having opportunities to explore other options, (in their 20s) report some dissatisfaction with their college choices and lives."
David Hawkins of the nonprofit NACAC said the findings support some members' concerns that students are being rushed.
This year, about 37 percent of Salisbury University's applicant pool utilized the nonbinding "early action" option, which went into effect at the college nearly five years ago, said Aaron Basko, director of admissions.
"It eases some of that anxiety that goes along with the college decision process," said Basko, whose office notified early-bird students of their acceptance in January. "It just allows students to get that answer faster without tying them down."
Maureen Williams, guidance counselor at James M. Bennett High School, said she generally recommends students apply early if they decide that a particular college is "above and beyond all other schools."
Austin Wigley, 18, began planning his future at Duke University after attending a basketball game in the eighth grade. The JMB senior, who was named the male winner of Maryland's 2008 Wendy's High School Heisman Program, applied "early decision," which constitutes a binding commitment to enroll in the North Carolina school in September. He also filled out 10 applications for other colleges just in case he didn't make the cut.
"A lot of schools have great basketball teams," said Wigley, who received his Duke acceptance letter in December. "But after looking at Duke as whole, it really sold me."
Tyrone Young, director of admissions and recruitment at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, said most of the college's prospective students often wait until after Christmas to tour the campus.
The college may not offer an early-admissions option, but Young said that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
"Students need (a chance) to feel connected to the university, even to the highest level of the president," he said.


College Admission News: Benefits of Early College Planning Debated