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| RPI famously uses "snap apps" |
This time of year, complaints start rolling in about the
proliferation of quickie or “fast-track” applications shipped out by colleges
anxious to artificially enlarge their applicant pools.
Sometimes disguised as VIP or priority apps, these personalized
invitations to apply are designed to lure seniors into submitting streamlined
applications often with waived essay requirements or promises of on-the-spot
decisions. And the temptation is great
for often overworked and stressed high school seniors looking for an easy admit
to college.
But be aware. These
applications can be a trap.
“…some counselors call them ‘crap apps,’” said Matthew
DeGreeff, director of college counseling at the Middlesex School, in an interview with the Chronicle of Higher Education. “This is like catnip for admissions deans
because you can expand the application pool overnight.”
Just because you receive one of these applications doesn’t
mean the college is particularly interested in you. Colleges purchase names, by the thousands
sometimes, and mindlessly mail them to anyone appearing on the list.
They haven’t assessed your qualifications,
they have no idea of your “fit” for their institution, and they don’t really
care if you are remotely interested.
They just want your application.
Why? Because “selectivity” has become such an important metric in rankings, and the more applications a
college receives, the more selective it can appear simply by rejecting the
overflow.
And yet, there can be consequences for the applicant.
First, quickie applications don’t provide an adequate
opportunity for you to showcase your special accomplishments and unique
skills. Sure, it looks nice to have your
name preprinted on the form and the offer to skip the essay part is enticing.
But if you’re a borderline candidate or if
your grades and scores don’t tell your full story, you may be doing yourself a
disservice.
These applications should not be considered automatic offers
of admission. If you want to forego a
more “holistic” review of your credentials, fine. Just be aware you could find yourself on a
never ending wait list, or even worse, rejected on the basis of the limited
information you provide.
Next, just because you complete the streamlined version of
the college’s application doesn’t mean you can skip sending official score
reports or forget about having your counselor send a transcript. All too often, high school students submit
these applications and neglect to tell their guidance counselor or arrange for standardized tests to be sent. This can
cause an awful snafu and also result in wait list or rejection if the paperwork
isn’t completed on time.
And finally, be aware that the Common Application system is
at war with these applications. If you use
a fast-track application to apply to a Common App member college, your high
school will not be able to electronically submit supporting documents such as
transcripts, secondary school reports and recommendations.
Because the Common App receives no payment unless an
application is submitted, these materials will be held back if you use a VIP or
priority application. It’s an unpleasant
reality about which counselors are complaining mightily. But nevertheless, you will most likely have
to have your supporting materials sent by snail mail if you’re otherwise using the Common
App system.
Note that the Universal College Application does not hold
back documents and will send transcripts and recommendations to their members
regardless of whether or not you use their application. They lose money in the bargain, but they
believe it’s the right thing to do.
The bottom line is don’t apply to a college just because
they appear to be recruiting to you. Do
your homework and understand what you’re getting into. And if you still think it’s a good idea, make
sure you follow-up with your guidance counselor and meet all remaining
requirements for admission.
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