August versus October

I just talked with a grandfather of a student who really wants to get into William and Mary.  Part of me thinks he wants this more than she does, but that’s  for another entry.  He was so passionate about getting the application in as soon as it is available online.  I calmly explained that if she applies in August, it means the same thing as if she applied October 31 (she is applying early decision).  Just because the application is submitted early does not mean we will send you an admission decision early.  We only operate as an early decision school, not early action and no rolling admission.

When our intern came back to get me and told me he did not want to talk to the dean on duty, because he had spoken with me before, I tried to go through my mental roladex to see if her description reminded me of anyone and sure enough it was the person I thought it would be.  Very nice and genuine, but a little over the top.  It is ok to relax and talk with your students, parents.  They have just as much information as I do in many cases.  They know more than you may think they do, so take advantage of their knowledge in this daunting process.  A 15 minute conversation between student and parent can alleviate a 45 minute conversation between dean and student/parent.

– Randy Tripp