READY or not, the college application season has begun. There are two main kinds of early admissions programs: Early Action and Early Decision.
Early Action is a great choice for the well-prepared student. Students apply early, and are allowed to apply under an Early Action program to as many colleges as they choose. The biggest advantage for students is that colleges let them know early – in most cases, before Jan 1. Roughly 15 percent of colleges and universities offer an Early Action option. Oct 15 is now the first deadline for many colleges and universities. This movement toward earlier deadlines is especially popular in the Southeast, with many of the large public universities leading the way. North Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina and the University of Georgia all have an Oct 15 Early Action deadline.
Early Decision is a promise that cannot be reversed. Students who are accepted must take back their other applications and should attend that school. Students are allowed to apply to just one school under an Early Decision program. Early Decision deadlines are in early November, with colleges letting students know by mid-December. Many students believe that they are more likely to be accepted if they apply for Early Decision, but it actually depends.
In some cases there is big increase in students being accepted, and at other colleges it is not that big at all. Generally, the strongest students are applying early. Athletes and students with focused interests are encouraged to apply for Early Decision
Choose the best answer:
32. What is the author’s purpose in writing the article?
A. To explain the process of applying to study in the US.
B. To describe two types of US college early admissions programs.
C. To encourage students who want to study in the US to apply early.
D. To list the advantages of early admissions programs.
33. Which of the following statements is TRUE of Early Action according to the article?
A. A student who is accepted as an Early Action applicant must attend the college they apply to.
B. The deadline for Early Action is usually two months earlier than the one for Early Decision.
C. Students can apply to several colleges at the same time under an Early Action program.
D. Students can apply for Early Action at the majority of universities and colleges in the US.
34. The underlined word “reversed” in Paragraph 6 probably means _______.
A. changed B. balanced C. accepted D. arranged
35. What can be concluded from the article?
A. Students are not allowed to apply for both Early Decision and Early Action at the same time.
B. Students applying for Early Decision impress colleges because they tend to be more active than others.
C. Early Decision is most fit for students who are skilled in some field.
D. Those applying for Early Decision have a better chance of being accepted than those applying for Early Action.