Early Decision second thoughts

As part of the AP Committee’s desire to proactively discuss ethics, we will be sending out monthly “case studies.” In these cases, we will offer a situation and discuss whether the issue is in compliance with NACAC’s Statement of Principles of Good Practices (SPGP). Thanks to Corey Fischer, Director of College Counseling at Fredericksburg Academy (VA) and PCACAC AP Committee Member, for this month’s case.

If you have a question about a situation or SPGP, please contact amember of the AP Committee.

January Case: Jimmy is an exceptionally strong student and it is very important to him and his parents that he be accepted to the “top universities.” He has not settled on exactly which of these colleges he wants, but decides to apply Early Decision to NumeroUno University. After submitting his application, he heeds his counselor’s advice to continue working on his other applications in the event he needs to submit them. As he does this, he realizes he might prefer a different college. He is accepted in December and sends his deposit, but he and his parents decide to have him submit the other applications. Since they are all on the Common Application and all his credentials have been uploaded, he does not mention the new applications to his counselor.

The college counselor at the school Jimmy attends  is under significant pressure from the administration to beef up the number of highly ranked colleges on the school’s college acceptance list. When the counselor notices on the Common App that Jimmy has submitted other applications and has deposited at the ED college she tells him he needs to withdraw them. Jimmy says, “I am not sure I want to go to NumeroUno Univ. and my parents told me to send the other applications so we can see where I am accepted and decide where I will go.”

Your turn: What should the counselor do? Is this situation compliant with NACAC’s SPGP?

Discussion: There is a lot of gray area in this situation. The ED Agreement the student signed says, “If you are accepted under an Early Decision plan, you must promptly withdraw the applications submitted to other colleges and universities and make no additional applications to any other university in any country.” And the counselor, via her signature on the ED agreement, said she “advised the applicant to abide by the Early Decision commitment.” But, these are application specific rules.

According to SPGP Mandatory Practice III, B. 3, “Counselors will sign only one pending Early Decision or Restricted Early Action agreement, when applicable, for any student.” The counselor has followed this statement. But, Mandatory III, B. 5 states, “Counselors will not reveal, unless authorized, candidates’ college or university preferences.” Furthermore, SPGP Best Practices III, A. 5 states,  “All counseling members should counsel students and their families to notify and withdraw applications from other institutions when they have accepted an admission offer.” Again, the counselor has followed SPGP.

Please note, SPGP Interpretations of Mandatory Practices II. B. 10 does define Early Decision, but does not address this issue.  As a result, the onus for enforcing the ED agreement falls to the school and counselor. As can be seen, for schools this is a difficult situation though. Enforce the Early Decision definition or let the student apply to more colleges?

Conclusion: While there is no clear answer to this case, school counselors should consider this situation before it arises as Early programs continue to evolve. For example, should a school have a set policy concerning ED admission?

As you consider this question, counselors may want to look to the guiding principles, or SPGP Core Values, discussed in the NACAC SPGP Introduction. Two of the Core Values could provide perspective: “Collaboration: We believe the effectiveness of our profession, college counseling, admission, and enrollment management is enhanced when we work together to promote and protect students and their best interests,” and “Trust: We believe our profession, college counseling, admission, and enrollment management is based upon trust, mutual respect and honesty, with one another and with students.”  How could a counselor help build policies at the school that would help build on these professional Core Values while also remaining student centered?

Want to review previous case studies?

View all of the Admissions Practices Case Studies on The Anchor here.

SOTU Inspiration

During the President’s final State of the Union address last Tuesday, my family and I invented what we thought was an amusing game. We have a DVR-equipped television, so we entertained ourselves by pausing the action on the faces of audience members when the camera would cut away from Barack Obama to pan the crowd for reactions. Then, like a bad episode of Mystery Science Theater, we would give voice to these expressions (quite honestly, there were moments when I felt the camera operators themselves were playing this game, looking for the most dramatic, sarcastic, poignant, or ironic contortions).

But when Obama mentioned issues related to education – which he did at several points throughout the 58 minute address – we turned to each other and said, “I’ve got nothing.” We couldn’t poke fun, because each expression seemed genuine in its support, excitement, or approval of positive change in this arena. As professionals in the field of education, PCACAC members can take comfort in knowing that genuine smiles accompanied the statements that Obama made about access to opportunity, higher graduation rates, job-readiness, and cost of attendance, among others.

As we ready ourselves to attend this year’s regional conference in Ocean City, I thought it might be interesting to highlight some of the President’s points about education. Perhaps one of these has inspired a session at PCACAC, which in turn might inspire you!

- Janet Weller, Associate Director of College Counseling, Roland Park Country School (MD)

“Real opportunity requires every American to get the education and training they need to land a good-paying job. The bipartisan reform of No Child Left Behind was an important start, and together, we’ve increased early childhood education, lifted high school graduation rates to new highs, and boosted graduates in fields like engineering.”

“We should build on our progress by providing pre-K for all, offering every student the hands-on computer science and math classes that make them job-ready on day one, and we should recruit and support more great teachers for our kids.”

“We have to make college affordable for every American. No hardworking student should be stuck in the red. We’ve already reduced student loan payments to 10% of a borrower’s income. Now, we’ve actually got to cut the cost of college. Providing two years of community college at no cost for every responsible student is one of the best ways to do that, and I’m going to keep fighting to get that started this year.”

“They’re out there, those voices (of unarmed truth and unconditional love). They don’t get a lot of attention; they don't seek a lot of fanfare; but they’re busy doing the work this country needs doing. I see them everywhere I travel in this incredible country of ours. I see you, the American people. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I see our future unfolding… I see it in the Dreamer who stays up late at night to finish her science project, and the teacher who comes in early, and maybe with some extra supplies that she bought herself, because she knows that that young girl might someday cure a disease.”

Profile: Kathleen Voss

Kathleen Voss

Regional Director

Office of Undergraduate Admission

Georgia Institute of Technology

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

23 years. I started in admissions at Regis College in Weston, MA in 1993.  Working at Regis, which at that time was a small women’s college, gave me the opportunity to wear many hats.  If you want to know what hard work is…work at a women’s college!  My experience at Regis provided me with the fundamentals of college admission, as well as discovering the importance of mentorship, both giving and receiving. 

After leaving Regis as the Associate Director in 1998, I ventured out into the corporate world… banking no less. I worked at Fleet Boston Student Loans until getting married in 2001.   It was an incredible, beneficial experience, albeit cut throat and stress inducing.

In 2002, we moved to Virginia and Bill Bissett was kind enough (considering I was 7 months pregnant) to hire me as a Regional Rep for Manhattan College in New York City. Manhattan College was one of the first schools to use regionals in the area.  Bill had found success with the program in New England and saw the potential in the mid-Atlantic.  Manhattan College offered me the opportunity to join PCACAC and meet many of you.

I have been with Georgia Tech since August of 2013, and can honestly say that I have never been happier.  I feel as though I have come full circle, starting at a school that admitted 250 women in 1993, to a school that reviews over 30,000 applications in a year!  I learn something new every day… it’s like I am a rookie again and I love it.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions? 

My dad, Chris Kiernan, worked in admissions for many years at Assumption College in Massachusetts, Saint Joe’s in Maine and finally at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI.  I grew up on college campuses, stuffing search pieces and licking envelopes over the summers in my dad’s office.  It sort of just fit.  I may be the only person in the field who actually planned to get into admissions as a career.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

Watching Josette Auguste from West Roxbury High School graduate from Regis College in the mid 90’s.  She was a brilliant kid and a beautiful person with a dream of becoming a doctor. She was a member of the first class that I recruited.  We had worked together during the admissions process and then while she was a student tour guide and ambassador.  When she and others from that class graduated, I felt as though I had really accomplished something special.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Go for it!  Your perspective is important and ideas are needed.

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing?  Radio City… Kick Line…Rockettes!

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I used to DJ at clubs in Newport RI.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

Assisting Military and Veteran students in the enrollment process. As the wife of a veteran, I consider myself honored to have had the opportunity to counsel vets, their children and spouses, however, I was overwhelmed by the bureaucracy.  Continuing to streamline the process for this population, as well as educating admission’s professionals about the policies on their campus or in their states will help to provide access to our nation’s servicemen and women.

Profile: Steve Maczynski

Stephen 'Steve' Maczynski

Director of College Counseling Services

Commonwealth Academy (Alexandria, VA)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

I evolved from the teaching profession into college counseling. I had written so many recommendations since I taught AP US Government that my interest grew in the field.  I began actually working as a College Counselor twenty years ago.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I worked as an AP instructor.  I slowly evolved into a hybrid-position at Georgetown Prep in North Bethesda as a counselor/teacher.  It was great to learn from wonderful mentors who had a long history in the profession. Membership in NACAC and PCACAC put me in touch with incredible resources so that I could adapt to a fast-paced job-setting.  Eventually, I also pursued my licenses as a therapist in both Virginia and Maryland.  Since I was constantly asking adolescents about their identities and their direction in life, I needed to be equipped in handling emotional difficulties.  This also helped with family interactions.  I spent a short time working as Director of Counseling Services as Westfield High School in New Jersey.  I commuted during the week, and I established a private practice in Virginia that works with middle school and adolescents on emotional health.  Now I work as Director of Counseling at Commonwealth Academy in Alexandria while still maintaining my practice.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

My favorite counseling memory was watching an inner-city student who was largely abandoned by both parents- mom had a drug addiction and dad was absent- gain acceptance to Brown University.  It showed me that admissions can truly work the way that it is supposed to when a student works hard and believes in his dreams.  He gained that acceptance through diligence and perseverance.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

I have served on committees in PCACAC that have put together seminar presentations.  PCACAC is invaluable for renewing one's vision about the profession, especially when one gets depleted from helicopter parenting.  

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

When not working in college admissions, I am active in my private practice. Project SAFE- Strategies Aimed at Family Empowerment- is located on South Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia.

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

Most people do not know that I initially worked in the stock market after graduating from Georgetown University. It was a hectic time to work in that arena because there were lots of mergers and acquisitions.  Everyday was a roller coaster.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

I am passionate about the high cost off post-secondary education. It is having a negative effect on educational opportunity.

Profile: Julia Ross

Julia Ross

Professional Tutoring, LLC (Fairfax, VA)

Have long have you been in the college counseling/admissions profession?

21 years, since 1994 when I founded Professional Tutoring, LLC

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

Once I started working with students in tutoring and SAT/ACT preparation, I saw a need to help students really evaluate themselves and search for their college fit.  At Professional Tutoring, we work to help students and families understand that college admissions officers are advocates for students, that they want to admit and retain students and do not act as gatekeepers!!

What advice would you give someone looking to pursue leadership in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

I would definitely advise that new members get involved in everything college admissions.  Visit colleges, attend admissions seminars and tours, sit in on classes, particularly the freshman seminar, get to know admissions officers, join and attend as many NACAC and AACRAO conferences as possible.  Research, study and learn.  And, be open to new ways of learning, leading, interacting. 

What is your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

One of my favorite memories is receiving a call on April 30 from a senior named Brandon.  We had been working with Brandon since July.  Brandon was stubbornly trying to fit his round peg into a square college hole.  All year long, we had said, “please, please, please visit this college.”  He just would not budge.  So, on April 29, Brandon finally visited “our” choice college.  He called us on April 30 to say, “Mrs. Ross, I LOVE Ole Miss!  Why didn’t I know that I would like it so much?”  Brandon is a senior this year, majoring in business.  He is a leader on campus, president of his fraternity, Sigma Pi, and headed to a bright future.   

If not working in admissions/counseling, what else would you see yourself pursuing?

Before beginning in the education field, I worked in urban planning for the Federal Government.  I graduated from UVA with my Masters of Urban Planning in May and launched Professional Tutoring that September.  I cannot imagine not working with young people; if I had to choose another profession, I would return to the dynamic world of urban planning.

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

This is a loaded question!  Seriously, though, our family is dedicated to international causes and children.  Between us, we speak six languages and speak Spanish and English at home.  We have also hosted 26 foster children, medical exchange and exchange students since 1994. 

What’s a current trend or future issue you’re passionate about right now?  And why?

I am really interested in the changing landscape of affirmative action.  I think that we, as admissions professionals, need to be able to support students on their socio-economic circumstances and opportunities, or lack thereof, rather than on their race, religion, etc. 

Profile: Eli Clarke

Eli Clarke, MSW

Director of College Counseling

Gonzaga College High School (DC)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

I have been in admissions and college counseling for 24 in total (8 years admissions, 16 years at my current school).

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I got started at my Alma Mater Loyola University New Orleans...I had no clue what being an admissions counselor really was so when I was told I would be traveling for the school, I was really surprised and was proud to represent Loyola to people all over the US.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

The memory that pops up automatically for me was when I was in admissions working with a young woman and her mother on financial aid matters and after a long process, it all came together. I remember talking to both of them in my office detailing the package and when all was said and done (and many questions and clarifications), the mom asked me "is it ok if I give you a hug?" 

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Advice - if you start getting involved on any level, it can be such a rewarding experience on so many levels. Just volunteering at check-in or scanning people into sessions can open the door to many other opportunities so always be open to helping out whenever you can. 

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing?

I don't know what I would be doing...that's a scary thought as I have been doing this a long time. I did have a dream of being a game show host early on in my life. 

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I can still be such a kid at times - there are times I will come home after a long day at Gonzaga and play video games on my Xbox (yes its weird but I find killing zombies or pirates very relaxing)

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

I think we as a profession need to deeply explore the affordability and financing college education issue...it become a bigger component every year and we all have families now across the board who not only can't afford but make blanket decisions about even looking at schools they think they cannot afford. I get concerned that this line of thinking prohibits the notion of best fit for students and families and rightly so in many instances. We have to explore any and all areas where we can make college affordable for everyone.

Profile: Mandy Williams

Mandy Williams

Program Coordinator for Regional Recruitment

Virginia and Washington, DC

Office of Admissions, Undergraduate 

West Virginia University (WV)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story! 

I have worked as a college admissions counselor for 13 years.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions? 

After I graduated from WVU, I was working in the hospitality industry at a resort in Morgantown. After realizing the hospitality industry was not what I wanted to do, I started searching WVU’s web site and found a job description for an admissions counselor. It sounded like me, and I had such a great experience there as a student, I thought I would give it a shot. Thirteen years later, I still love sharing my experiences and knowledge about higher education in general, and specifically about WVU, with prospective students and families.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory? 

I recently had an upperclassman contact me and thank me for my help during the admissions process. He is a senior in our Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and is getting ready to graduate. He mentioned that I was one of the first contacts he had with WVU and how happy he has been with his decision. It was so wonderful and rewarding to hear from a current student who is both happy and successful.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

I would recommend getting involved with both organizations—volunteering or serving on committees, attending the annual conferences, and making connections with current leadership within the organizations.

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing?

I really enjoy working as a college admissions counselor, but if I had to make a change, I would try school counseling at the secondary level or do a 180 and pursue a career in travel and tourism.

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I was a Girl Scout and loved being involved in every part of the organization.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why? 

Services and college awareness geared toward first-generation college students, especially in rural areas. I am a first-generation college student, and I know how challenging and overwhelming attending college can be without support. Also, my experiences recruiting in rural parts of both West Virginia and Virginia have shown me how much college awareness is still needed with this particular student population.