Colleges and universities in the US should end their early admission programs

Agree

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by Patrick Gaston

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It was a difficult decision figuring out which side I would write for, because I feel that my argument will support both sides at different times. With that being said, I think an important distinction that should be made is that there are two main types of early admissions programs: early decision and early action. Ultimately, the reason why this article goes both ways is because I believe that the early decision program should be eliminated, but not the early action program.

The basic difference between the two is as follows. With early decision admissions, upon submitting the application, there is a contract between the student and school that says that upon acceptance, the student must attend the university. Whereas with early action, that student gets an earlier decision, as well as some special privileges regarding housing, course selection, financial aid, etc.

Having gone through the admissions process just a few years ago, I remember the stress and pressure I was under to complete the numerous applications I had. Applications are getting longer and more detailed, and as a student, it was a painstaking process to apply and make sure I presented myself in the best available light. That being understood, if at that time there is enormous pressure just to apply, imagine the pressure placed on the student to decide, while applying, where he/she wants to go to college. It is hard to think like that. Many students at the time of application do not even visit the school until after submitting an application. I speak from the experience of being a student worker in my school's admissions office. Therefore, what if the student had their heart set on the program, but did not visit the school yet? They visit the school only to be disgusted with certain aspects of the university. Or what happens if a student misreads a certain brochure, and believes that he/she will be getting something that will never be forthcoming in the end? Should that student be held responsible? They are now bound to attend that college no matter what.

On the other hand, you have a student who applies through an early action program. This student gets earlier decisions from schools, as well as some of the aforementioned privileges. So, hypothetically, come January, a student could have decisions from 4 schools, talked with an academic adviser to plan possible courses of action, have a financial package that is mostly set, and have preferential housing options. Tell me, which program offers the student more freedom? Which, in the long run, is better for the student?

While it is true that there are some students who are dead set on a college to attend, the vast majority of students out there do not know for sure where they wish to attend. This is one of the biggest choices of a person's life, and they should have all the information possible in order to help them make the right decision. With early action, that is possible. It does not limit the student's freedom of choice. It allows them to get a better, clearer perspective on where they can go and what they can definitely expect from a school. There is too much stress involved with the early decision program. It limits the student's freedom, it binds them to something that, in the end, they may not want to do, and it adds unneeded stress to their lives, especially if they are denied admission.

Therefore, colleges and universities should end only the early decision program. The early action program simply offers too many advantages and opportunities to students.

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