Early Decision Under Attack 🎓🦅
But will the decision be binding?
Highly selective colleges generally assume the roles of judge and jury as far as applications are concerned. What happens when applicants try to turn the tables? But first the news…
COLLEGE NEWS
International admissions adversity: According to recent projections from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, international enrollment at U.S. colleges could drop by as much as 150,000 students this fall, leading to a potential loss of $7 billion in revenue for colleges and 60,000 jobs. Will the federal government expedite visas to address this potential higher education disaster? We’re starting to find out…
FAFSA First Step: The FAFSA application is open for early testing, but if you didn’t get an invite, you’re not part of the first beta test. You will be able to request participation in the second phase of testing in September or wait until general access in October. Maybe it’s better to wait as long as possible to find out how much you’ll owe 😭
Education as investment: According to a commissioned study, the University System of Georgia (USG) generated $23.1 billion in economic impact in fiscal 2024. According to Chancellor Sonny Perdue, “A degree from one of USG's 26 public colleges and universities is a million-dollar deal for graduates and a billion-dollar boost for Georgia.” What a peach of a deal.
Are you or your 11th grader eager to earn an exceptional score on the PSAT in October? Chariot Learning is planning its annual September PSAT Seminar—a comprehensive math, reading, and writing overview followed by a full practice test review. When will this online program run? Help decide! Complete this form with your schedule preferences and you’ll be informed when the class is ready for registration.
BIG IDEA
A new lawsuit is taking aim at some of the most prestigious colleges in the U.S., claiming they’ve turned the Early Decision (ED) admissions process into an anticompetitive scheme that hurts students and families. The August 8 complaint alleges that 32 elite schools, two major application platforms, and the Consortium on Financing Higher Education (COFHE) effectively colluded to restrict student choice and drive up tuition.
What’s the Issue?
Early Decision (not Early Action) requires students to commit to one college before comparing financial aid offers.
While colleges present ED as “binding,” it isn’t legally enforceable, especially since most applicants are minors.
However, by sharing information through COFHE and coordinating through Common App and Coalition App, the schools allegedly created a system where students are locked in, limiting competition for aid and scholarships.
The result, the lawsuit argues, is that wealthier students—meaning the ones who don’t need to weigh aid packages—gain an edge, while less cash-rich students lose bargaining power and end up paying more.
Could anything change as a result of this lawsuit? If the plaintiffs win, schools might be forced to amend or completely abandon binding Early Decision, opening the door for students to compare offers freely. Obviously, tipping that domino would then potentially trigger greater price competition among colleges and greater access to ultra selective schools for students who rely on financial aid.
In short, this case isn’t just about a few students challenging their admissions offers. Instead, it could redefine how fairness, affordability, and competition work in the college admissions marketplace.
NAME THAT SCHOOL
Do you think you know a lot about colleges? Try to guess this institution of higher education. (Find the answer at the end of the newsletter.)
Founded in 1866 and built on the highest point of its not very high state.
An R1 research university, the school is particularly noted for distinction in pharmaceutical chemistry, aerospace engineering, and public health.
One of the first universities in the U.S. to establish a center for students with disabilities
Boasts one of the oldest schools of journalism in the nation along with some serious basketball credibility
The school’s memorable mascot is named for anti-slavery guerrilla fighters during the Civil War era.
APPLICATION ACTION STEPS
🎓 Understand the impact of dual enrollment programs.
🎓 Learn about the viability of the 3-year college degree.
🎓 Don’t miss the August 29 deadline for the September 13 SAT.
🎓 Explore the benefits of earning a college degree outside the United States.
HOTLINE
Do you have any burning questions to ask or want to share an issue, article, or resource our readers should know about? Dial up the College Eagle hotline through this easy form. We appreciate you!
NAME THAT SCHOOL ANSWER
The University of Kansas just announced an unprecedented alumni gift of approximately $300 million, quite a boon for the Crimson and Blue. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU!