Last night Student Council unanimously passed a resolution to recommend replacing the University's early decision admissions policy with "Exclusive Early Action."
The policy would allow prospective students a non-binding opportunity to apply early to the University.
"I think this acts in the best interests of both students and the University," Representative Matt Straub said. "I hope we can implement this change before next year."
Straub and fellow representatives Brandon Possin and William Biggs proposed the resolution.
The current University admissions policy allows prospective students to apply "Early Decision," an option that theoretically improves the chances of admission, but requires students to commit to attend the University if they are accepted.
Proponents of the resolution say an exclusive early action program would draw more top students. The program would differ from the current policy in that it would not require accepted students to attend if accepted.
Some say the plan would also dissuade students from applying early solely because they assumed early decision would boost their chances of admission.
"I think is a great resolution," Biggs said. He and others argued that the current policy does not allow students to compare financial aid packages, thus deterring students who rely on financial aid from applying early.
Early decision provides the University with information about the dynamics of the incoming class. The Council members who proposed the idea suggested the loss will be mitigated by the fact that those accepted early will still be more likely to attend than regular applicants, keeping data from their pool sound.
Council considered several issues before voting, including the fear of losing the commitment of quality students, as well as what has happened at other institutions that instated similar policies.
The resolution will be passed along to the admissions office for consideration. Council hopes the policy could take effect beginning with applicants for the University's class of 2008.
(Associate Editor Alexis Unkovic contributed to this report.)
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