One of These Things Is Not Like the Other: Nuances of Early Decision Agreements
The early bird gets the worm . . . but at what cost? With thorough research and thoughtful consideration, Early Decision can be a win-win for students and colleges - even (sometimes, especially) for families with financial need. Gaining a clear understanding of the Early Agreement and financial aid timeline will help determine whether it’s the right choice for your family.
This post explores the nuances of the Early Decision Agreement - which can be substantially different across institutions. I cover what’s common, where to find it, and what to look out for in Early Decision Agreement language. I finish with tips on estimating your family’s actual cost at the specific college, which is key to determining financial fit. After all, for what other major purchase do you sign a binding agreement that does not include the price?
It’s (probably) Not Too Late
We interrupt this blog with an important message: It’s Not Too Late to Apply for Fall 2025 at These Colleges. This resource is updated daily and searchable by multiple criteria for anyone still looking for their best fit college home this Fall.
Brought to you by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), it is an invaluable source for the latest information on where space is available.
Inside College Admissions: FAQs
Navigating college admissions can feel like a mystery! 🤔 Our latest blog post is a handy FAQ guide that answers your common questions about how colleges review applications.
Up Next: A deep dive on key considerations for Early Decision
Oxford College: A Unique Opportunity
Can students get the best of both worlds at Oxford College of Emory University? My latest blog post explores the unique advantages of starting at Oxford College: a close-knit community and strong academic foundation for your first two years, followed by the vast resources of Emory University, a top-tier research institution, for your final two. Discover this distinctive pathway and if it's the right fit for you.
Distinctive Colleges in Southwest Virginia
College Visits: Southwest(ish) Virginia
As an IEC, I invest time, energy, and miles in keeping abreast of the ever-changing college admissions landscape. Spring is my heavy travel season for campus visits, conferences, and continuing education. Last week, I visited nine colleges in Southwest(ish) Virginia. Here is a distinctive characteristic from each one.
Guide to College Fairs
A college fair is a great opportunity to learn about many colleges in a single session. But they can also be crowded and overwhelming. Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of questions to help get a conversation started.
Quick Reference Guide to AP, IB, and DE Courses
College Rangefinder Quick Reference Guide to High School Rigor Courses: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment (DE).
Why “College Rangefinder”?
What’s in a name? Why College Rangefinder? Because winners optimize shots by aligning their personal strengths with precise understanding of current conditions.
Corporate Research to College Strategy
Sometime after watching Friends in the dorm, but before streaming Ted Lasso in quarantine, the college admissions process changed completely. The details didn’t seem important until 8th grade turned to 9th and the college talk grew more prevalent in the parent chats. I figured it was time to do what I do best - research.
Overview of College Admissions Plans
Application season is here and it's time to select admissions plans from your Best Fit College List. Each school sets its own plans and deadlines, so be sure to check their admissions websites for specifics. Here's a brief overview of typical options and considerations as you finalize your plans.
Don't have a Best Fit College List? Not sure which admissions plan to choose? Contact Aletta for help presenting your best self to your best fit schools so you can stand out from talented competition.
What is Demonstrated Interest?
Perhaps you've heard that colleges care about Demonstrated Interest . . . But what is it? And why does it matter? Check out this quick overview of all you need to know.
Don't have a Best Fit College List? Have more questions? Contact Aletta for help presenting your best self to your best fit schools so you can stand out from talented competition.
Key Insights from Common Data Set
With so much conflicting information about college admissions, how do you know what data and information you can trust? Even with the best of intentions, data is defined, reported, and shared inconsistently, obscuring valid implications and conclusions about what it means for your admissions process. Enter Common Data Set - an initiative whose mission is to create a common set of data definitions and reporting, so that making comparisons across colleges and over time leads to more valid conclusions.