Parent to Parent: Early Decision

WSVN -- Pablo and Marissa are both super excited about starting college next year.

Marissa Cohen: "I am so excited. I have been waiting for this all of my life."

Pablo Gonzalez: "You're about to commence this new stage in your life with all these exciting new opportunities."

In fact, Pablo already knows what he wants to study.

Pablo Gonzalez: "I would like to go into Aerospace Engineering in college."

And Marissa knows where she wants to go, her mom's alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.

Marissa Cohen: "I know it is a difficult academic course, but she told me she went there and she had so much fun, she absolutely fell in love with it."

So both students sought guidance through international college counselors.

Barry Liebowitz: "We assist students as early as 8th grade prepare for the college application process."

Pablo and Marissa wanted to get their college applications in early, so they had two choices.

Barry Liebowitz: "The two different types of applying early are early decision, which is a binding agreement between the family and the school you are applying to, that if accepted you plan to enroll."

And early action.

Barry Liebowitz: "Early action you are still declaring your intent but you're not contractually bound to attend if they decide to accept you."

Since Marissa knows exactly where she wants to attend, she applied for early decision. If accepted, all parties have to sign a contract.

Marissa Cohen: "My mom, me and my guidance counselor have to sign."

Barry said this gives students a big advantage.

Barry Liebowitz: "The top schools in the country sometimes accept between 35 to 40 percent of the incoming freshman class based on early decision."

Pablo is torn between his two top schools.

Pablo Gonzalez: "It's been a coin toss for me between Georgia Tech and Emory Riddle."

So he is applying early action to both, showing his commitment without having to make a choice right now.

Pablo Gonzalez: "I wouldn't want to be locked out of that option. I want to make that decision for myself."

Of course, Barry said applying early has other benefits.

Barry Liebowitz: "So getting an early answer from these schools will assist in housing and travel accommodations and maybe even finding a roommate."

Either way, both students are well on their way to success!

We should mention, on his ACT, Pablo scored a 35 out of 36! Wow!

Students applying early decision need to submit their application by Nov. 1st and usually get an answer by Dec. 15th.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.internationalcollegecounselors.com