College Admissions Help Blog

I’d be willing to bet if you look up the term “admissions process” in the dictionary you’d find a picture of a slug stuck in molasses.  It is slow slow slow, and painfully so,  but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what to look for and how to play the game can put your application on top of the heap.

1. Know the school’s policy: Some schools simply process applications faster than others.  With all factors equal choose the school with the 2 week turnaround time versus the one with the 2 month.

2. Rolling admissions: Another policy you should check on is how applications are processed.  Is it a school with a rolling admissions, meaning they process applications as they come in, or do they hold onto your application and process it at some obscure time in the future?  Obviously rolling admissions help your cause.

3. Speak up: Here’s a novel concept – ask for a quick decision.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease my friends.  Just ask.  The worse they can say is no.  If this tactic doesn’t work see option #4.

4. Threaten to go elsewhere: School’s want you, despite the indifferent attitude they often convey.  Just casually say, “I’ve got it narrowed down to three schools – now it’s a race to see who gets back to me first.  Have a great day!”  Or perhaps a simple note attached to your application that states you would like/expect a decision mailed or phoned within 30 days would be more your style.  They will usually speed up the process for you.

The admissions process can be relatively quick if you know how to play the game.  And now that you do, why don’t you go ahead and move your Queen to bishop 6.  Nice one.  I believe that’s checkmate.