College Admission Help

College Admission Help: Two Creative Solutions to One Tough Decision
It’s not uncommon for students to think a college made a mistake in an admissions decision, but something happened this week that took that feeling to a brand new level. The University of
California-San Diego, which meant to send out a “you’re in” e-mail to the 8,000 or so students they admitted, sent out a “you’re in” e-mail to everyone who applied --all 29,000 of them! The mistake was corrected within two hours (I wonder how they found out), but this is a small sign of what an energetic week it’s been.

While UCSD didn’t admit all 29,000 applicants, the number of admits and students on waitlists is at an all-time high at most colleges. Part of this has to do with the great quality of the largest high school graduating class in US history, but it also has to do with the economic tug-of-war that’s putting both families and colleges in a bind. Ordinarily, colleges need 4 months to set their budgets, so students are supposed to commit to one—and only one—college on May 1st. Changes in the economy mean families won’t really know what college they can afford until August (if then)—so how should a family choose on May 1st, if it’s between an affordable college that’s OK, or a dream college that’s just a little out of reach?

The choice to keep the dream alive is understandable, but it could come with a hefty price. Saying yes to Dream School U on May 1st gives you a few more months to find those precious extra dollars, but if August comes and you’re still short, the college has an empty seat, and you have no college to go to. The college might solve their problem by keeping a very big waiting list active through the summer—but what are you supposed to do?

Of course, taking the more sure bet has its down sides too. Taking the affordable route means there’s not much you can do if the economy picks up (hey, it could happen) and there’s more money for your perfect college—either from your parents or from the financial aid office. In addition, saying no to Dream School U gives them a freshmen class where nearly everyone can afford to pay for college on their own, which makes the college more a cookie cutter country club than a richly diverse center for creative and critical thinking.

What’s a student to do? Demonstrate honesty by doing this:

 Call the financial aid office of your dream school, and ask about the possibility of extra funds—especially on-campus jobs. In addition, ask them if more funds would be available if you started college this summer; you may have to give up some vacation time, but if the cash is there, it’s one more way to stretch your education budget.
 Ask to be put on the wait list. OK, this sounds crazy—a college you love wants you, and you’re going to ask them to want you a little less? If you start by explaining your situation, the college may be setting up a list of admitted students who just need more time to get more money—and this year, they might be handling that by putting their names on a “Call First” list. It may be the case, or it may not—but you won’t know what they have to offer until you ask.

Armed with this information, you can make the best decision come May 1 -- and either way, you won’t be bunking in with 29,000 tenacious Tritons.

College Admission Help: Two Creative Solutions to One Tough Decision