What is Priority Admission: What You Should Know

If you are on your way to college, searching through the possible application processes, you stumbled upon this term. Priority admission is one of the many ways someone can apply to college. However, it often is confused with other concepts, and people need help understanding what it is.

It is vital to note that priority admission differs from priority deadline. Moreover, numerous misconceptions exist about the term and what it insinuates. This article dwells on all the various aspects of the process.

What Does a Priority Admission Mean?

So, what is priority admission? A priority admission or application often referred to as a VIP, is when a college reaches out to you and offers you an application. It completely varies from the traditional application procedures.

Now, the application is often more uncomplicated and much more straightforward. You would fill out all your information and the required documents and send them to the college. Now, remember that you do not have to apply. A priority admission does not entail a must-apply procedure.

Why would a university send you such an offer in the first place? Many speculate that they want to increase the number of applicants. Others state that colleges are simply for advertising purposes.

However, the underlying reason is much simpler. Institutes that offer priority admission are often competitive. That might sound counterintuitive, as one might assume such an offer is to increase the number of people applying.

Regardless, if you receive priority admission, that often means the institute regards you as someone worth attaining. It increases the overall competitiveness of the college. Also, the offers are usually sent to students who would not consider applying to this place under different circumstances. Hence, it can lure you into college.

Now, people often get too excited about the concept of receiving an offer for priority admission. However, even if you fill out the information and send all your documents, which does not guarantee your acceptance. While that might be a harsh reality, a college will not simply accept you based on a request. Instead, your application will go through the normal screening process but will be more important to address.

Priority Application vs. Regular Application: What’s the Difference?

One fantastic reward regarding priority application is the added benefits. An element that institutes utilize to entice you is the benefits. You might receive a scholarship, additional benefits, early admission to classes, or even reduced dormitory fees. It all varies according to the college you want to apply to.

That said, we need to answer yet another question. Is priority admission binding? This question haunts many people because the process can be confusing. A college sends you an offer, telling you they want you to apply to their institute. But if you do so, does that mean you must attend college?

The great news is that priority applications are non-binding. Unlike other types of admission, it is like the regular application process in this sense. In a gist, you submit a similar application without any restrictions or written agreements.

Addressing the main differences between regular applications and priority admissions is vital. The various distinctions are below.

Application Fees

According to U.S. News, the average application fee among 889 ranked colleges in the United States was approximately $45. So, imagine you are applying to five different institutes. The costs you will have to pay, aside from the typical SAT or ACT fees, can skyrocket.

There are no application fees required. That is one of the many reasons such offers are enticing. If you ever receive a request from an institute, you should apply. There is no harm, as the process requires no cost and is non-binding.

Additional Benefits

Unlike regular admission, priority ones might open beneficial doors for a student. One of them is a chance at a scholarship or added financial aid. Again, this is a means of attracting various students to apply to the institute.

You might find yourself with more benefits. Some include enrolling early in classes, scholarships, waivers, and reduced dormitory fees.

Response Time

We all know how dreadful the application process can be. One of the nerve-wracking aspects is awaiting the moment you receive the decision from the institute. Using priority admission often cuts to the chase. Some institutes will give you a response within two weeks. Others will take longer. Regardless, you will receive a response earlier than you typically expect.

Application Length

Thinking logically, why would a college subject you to the standard, the lengthy process if they are attempting to hook you to their school? That is why with the priority option, you should expect a shorter application procedure.

Often, you will not have to send in a personal statement. Other institutes will skip over the recommendation letters. Often, you will have a brief time frame to complete the form entirely. That is why it usually is much faster.

It is essential to highlight that sending your application will not guarantee admission. Schools might have picked you due to the school receiving your SAT or ACT scores. So, remember that priority applications are sent to thousands of students with excellent grades.

How Do You Apply for Priority Admission?

The process of priority admission is straightforward. However, giving explicit details about the process is almost impossible. Each institute has its deadlines, procedures, and requirements. However, the benefits mentioned above, such as fewer documents required for submission, are always present.

That said, you should expect the typical requirements of a normal process. First, you will have a deadline by which you need to apply. Moreover, you will send in your grades, transcripts, and other supporting material.

That said, it is important to make another distinction. What is the priority deadline? Unlike priority admission, many schools offer a deadline as an incentive. For example, let us assume that the regular application deadline is the 1st of December. Schools might set a priority deadline on the 1st of November.

That means the school guarantees higher priority for your application if you submit everything by that deadline. The team that reviews the applications will make sure they check yours before individuals who submit theirs by the regular deadline.

But why is priority deadline important? Below are numerous benefits:

• By applying by the priority deadline date, you will ensure you will review your application. Often, not all students are considered, especially if the quota fills up.
• You will receive an earlier decision about your process.
• You can apply for financial aid and other benefits at an earlier stage instead of having to anticipate the regular round of admissions.
• It increases the chances of acceptance, as you will have fewer applicants to compete with.

Pros and Cons of Priority Admission

What is the priority consideration for college? Here is a brief overview. A priority admission offers you a chance to get your application reviewed early. The institute reaches out to you, asking you to apply to their college. You will receive an earlier decision about your status, but it does not guarantee getting accepted.

So now you might be wondering what priority admission pros and cons are. Should you pursue the option if you receive an offer? Below is an extensive list of all the benefits and drawbacks of the process.

The Pros

• If you have spare time, there is no harm in pursuing this procedure.
• You will save yourself from any application fees required.
• The process is shorter and requires a minimal amount of supporting documents.
• You will receive the decision about your application status earlier than the normal application process.
• It allows you to earn additional benefits, such as reduced tuition or dormitory fees. Moreover, you might benefit from the added rewards the college offers.

The Cons

• If the college is not one of your first five choices, filling out the application might be a waste of time.
• It does not guarantee acceptance, even though it might raise your hopes.
• Pursuing this option might prevent you from giving priority to other colleges that will accept you.
• Receiving an email with an offer will guarantee to raise your hopes. That might be detrimental if you are unaware that thousands of students receive this offer.

What Colleges Offer Priority Admission?

Most institutes offering priority admission do not explicitly state that they do. No school benefits from making such information known to everyone. On the contrary, if everyone anticipates an email or an offer, it will backfire. Students might not feel special about receiving a request, then choose to pursue a different path. Others might get their hopes raised and feel let down if they do not receive one.

After discussing the priority level above, you can find out what colleges offer priority admission. Keep in mind that the few mentioned below are simply an overview. The list includes a multitude of other institutes:

• Arizona State University (ASU)
• Brigham Young University (BYU)
• Colorado School of the Mines (Mines)
• Drexel University (Drexel)
• Florida State University (FSU)
• Loyola University Chicago (LUC)
• Texas Tech University (TTU)
• University of Arkansas (UARK)
• University of Oklahoma (OU)

Other Types of College Admission

There are several types of admission processes, as mentioned earlier. However, it is necessary to cover all the basics and have extensive knowledge of all the possible procedures. That includes priority admission vs. early application, which you can find out more about below.

• Early Decision: this is a binding process. You can apply to the institute earlier than usual, but you are mandated to attend if accepted. Overall, it enhances the chances of acceptance, as fewer people are inclined to apply through this stage.
• Early Action: like early decision, early action obligates you to send your documents earlier than usual. However, unlike the option mentioned above, it is non-binding.
• Guaranteed Admission: while not a regular option, guaranteed admission is what it sounds like. If you meet specific requirements, you are automatically accepted. However, as a formality, you still need to send an application.
• Open Admission: this is typically for online schools or diplomas. Open admission is an institute that accepts applicants with a diploma or a GED certificate. This is a fantastic option for those with overall low grades.
• Rolling Admission: places that offer rolling admissions have a wide window in which students can apply. However, keep in mind that they are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Wrapping Things Up: What is Priority Admission: What You Should Know

Now, all the basics of priority admissions are above. It is essential to use this as a reference if you ever receive an offer from an institute. This article will come in handy throughout your college application procedures, as it covers all the basics you need to know.

That said, remember that priority applications are non-binding, but they also do not guarantee admission. Hence, when receiving one, take it with a grain of salt. At the end, this offer intrigues you, and often prompts you to apply to the institute, which is a great safety net if you have the time for applications.

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