There has been a lot going on behind the scenes of college admission over the last couple of months. There have been some major changes to what colleges and universities can do during the admission season.
Most students may be completely unaware of what the National Association of College Admission Counseling is, and the organization’s purpose. NACAC, as it is commonly referred to, is the umbrella organization that represents universities and counselors, primarily in the US but there are many international members – both schools and universities. Schools and universities who are members agree to abide by NACAC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP). This code of ethics basically tries to keep admission practices fair and on a level playing field focused primarily on students. But there are also certain rights given to students. For the past year or so, NACAC has been engaged in a lawsuit by the US Justice Department regarding competition among colleges for students – basically a fair trade issue. At the last NACAC Conference this last September the CEPP underwent certain changes which change how colleges and universities can act. Every student going forward – this current Senior class and future classes applying to the US – need to be aware of the changes.
So why is this important? Here is what you need to know as a student:
Changes to Early Decision: Previously colleges could not provide any incentives for students to apply early decision; for example, special housing, enhanced Financial Aid or special scholarships. NOW, and effective this year, colleges can offer students incentives to apply ED. It is important to remember that applying ED is a serious commitment to a specific school and for very personal reasons. This change can affect how a student perceives a college and be enticed by these incentives. It is important that any student who receives requests from any college speak with their college counselor immediately to get advice on the decision-making process and evaluate these offers.
May 1 Reply Date: Once you have been admitted, decided on which college you will attend, and enrolled you must make your final decision by May 1. Previously, colleges needed to respect the May 1 deadline and not try to make any effort to change students’ minds. NOW, colleges can reach out and extend offers to you. This may make things a bit confusing. Why? Because those offers may have financial or other incentives for you to change your mind. In common speak, this is called “poaching.”
Transfer Students: The same applies to transfer students who may receive offers from another school(s) once they have enrolled in a new university.
What makes this more complicated is that schools can reach out at any time to make offers of this sort. This may impact an international students’ ability to obtain a F-1 Student Visa. For example, let’s say a student chooses to enroll in College X and pays the deposit May 1. In late August or even later, student receives an offer from another College Y with some financial or other incentives. If they take that offer, they will of course lose their deposit at College X but now try to change their visa status so they may attend College Y. There will not be enough time to arrive for the start of classes.
While we all hope that at least for this year colleges and universities will respect the previous CEPP and the ethical guidelines prior to September 2019, and that schools will respect the integrity of a students’ interests in the admission process, we need to be aware that universities are a business and financial considerations may trump good behavior.
Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com
Photos: Hamilton Gregg, unsplash
