Rohith Tsundupalli ’24
In recent months, students submitted their early decision and early action applications for college admissions. Early decision entails applying to a preferred college before the regular deadline, usually in November, with admissions decisions expected in the following months. Students accepted through early decision are obliged to enroll in the chosen college and withdraw all other applications. Conversely, early action is a non-binding process that allows applicants to consider multiple college offers before making a final enrollment decision.
Many students apply early decision because it increases their chances of being accepted. In order to increase equity in the admissions process, this year Cornell decided to review the implications of fewer students being accepted through early decision. According to The Cornell Daily Sun applicants of the class of 2026 were three times more likely to be accepted if they applied early decision. One ongoing change is to decrease the number of students admitted through early decision.
After spending previous months working on their applications and consulting with college counselors, many seniors are currently awaiting their early admissions decisions. Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Christina Cerenzia says, “Our job as college counselors is to help guide students through the college process. As we went through the early admissions process with students, we helped students with their essays, coming up with ideas, and making sure they were meeting with colleges and representatives.” Similarly, Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Lara Grieco comments on the comprehensive early process, noting that it typically begins in junior year. “Although everyone thinks that we mainly work with twelfth grade, we also find a lot of enjoyment and fulfillment in the discovery phase with students in junior year because when they’re doing high school really well by exploring their interests through the arts, sports, and in class; all of that is building up to make a really good college early application.”
Photo courtesy of episcopalacademy.org
As students await admissions decisions, Cerenzia comments on the stress that some students may be feeling: “Yes, the early process can be stressful. You don’t know if you’re going to get in, you don’t know what essays are to come, but if you stick to the plan and work on everything on time, the stress of the overall process can be avoided.” Grieco echoes Cerenzia, explaining that “there are so many factors beyond a student’s control and the emotional part of the college process as a whole is just so critical. Essentially, we want to ensure that students feel supported by not only us but also the community. When there is disappointment, yes, we share your disappointment, but most importantly, when there is celebration, we are going to celebrate with you.”
Each student holds a personalized perspective on admissions decisions, as highlighted by Grieco. “That is why I recommend opening decisions in a private setting such as in the comfort of your own home.” Likewise, according to Cerenzia, “Some students may not think much about an early admissions decision, while others may have had their heart set on one school. But, whatever it is, I think that it is always helpful to focus on the now and for seniors to really embrace these last moments at EA as opposed to stressing about uncertainties.”
Nik Athwal ’24 shares his feelings regarding awaiting an early admissions decision. “I am nervous yet confident at the same time. While I don’t know the outcome of my application just yet, I know that I put my best foot forward and submitted my best work. Everything happens for a reason, and I think the same applies to admissions decisions.”
Dylan Unruh ’24 explains “Awaiting an admissions decision is an exciting time for me. I am definitely a bit anxious but this is a big moment in my life, so hopefully all the work I put in pays off.” Izzy Rozes ’24 adds, “While I am feeling anxious about early decisions to come out, I know that my classmates and I have worked so hard throughout high school and that will be rewarded. I believe that everyone will end up where they are supposed to be and I look forward to hearing all the decisions soon!”
Grieco explains, “Fundamentally, we know that our students are going to do exceptionally well wherever they go. So it’s not so much where you go, but who you are, and we know that EA students will be making the most of their education and resources available to them.”