Thanksgiving Strategy for Early Decision Applicants

Thanksgiving is a big time for the college search. It’s when high school seniors who have applied "early decision" are anxiously awaiting the letters that will come before Christmas break--those large or small envelopes containing the news, good or bad.

College admissions has become so competitive that it’s important for high school seniors who put a lot of effort into their first-choice school to have a back-up plan.

I strongly encourage these students to:

• Select and be ready to apply to other colleges that seem to be good matches, and make sure your teachers and counselors are ready to send supporting documents.
• Tell your friends and family that as much as you love your first choice school, you really have several first choices and are ready to consider other schools, just in case.
• Remember to thank everyone who helped you in the process if you get the good news.
• Promise yourself that, no matter what happens, you’ll work hard the rest of senior year. It will be good preparation for the academic rigor of college.