The National Association for College Admission Counseling voted this past week to permit member colleges to implement "single-choice early-action plans," which allow students to submit non-binding early admissions applications but prevents them from applying early to other schools.
The vote seeks to bring uniformity to an admissions system dominated by several binding and nonbinding deadlines. Until now, NASAC member institutions were prohibited from telling students who applied under nonbinding early-action programs that they could not apply to other early-action programs. Despite this rule, last year, Harvard, Yale and Stanford Universities created a single-choice, early-action program that sought to prevent students from applying to multiple early-action schools.
Many students said they believe that applying early increases an individual's chance of receiving admission.
"We have been very careful to make sure, over the years that it is not easier or harder to get in with early action," Harvard Director of Admissions Marilyn McGrath Lewis said, although she noted that there are advantages at other colleges.
Some high school guidance counselors have complained about the limitations imposed under the NASAC's new rules. The program is "a disadvantage to students," said Merle Kravetz, director of college counseling and advising at the Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, Fla. "They apply to schools that may be beyond their abilities, and they are limited to applying to one school."
Kravetz added that students may not be afforded the chance to apply to school to which they have a chance for admissions.
The University maintains a regular admissions application and a binding early decision application, under which students apply to a single school and are required to enroll upon acceptance.
Early decision and single-choice early action programs may limit students' financial options.
"Students can find out [an offer of admission] early, but it is to their disadvantage," Kravetz said. "Financially challenged students cannot shop for more money."
Harvard officials said the school recognizes the need to field the financial aid market.
"A major reason why we are committed to not requiring early decision is so students can compare financial aid," McGrath Lewis said.
This year, Harvard returned to an early-action admissions process that enables students to submit nonbinding applications to other schools.
Applying early "maximizes freedom," McGrath Lewis said. "We think it is very important for students to have freedom of senior year to think about their college choice."
The NASAC's recent vote will not affect students applying to the University since early applicants may only apply under the early decision process.
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