Convenience or Compromise: Are “Fast Apps” Worth It?

Convenience or Compromise: Are “Fast Apps” Worth It?

We are in the midst of another application season. Chances are high that you’ve already started thinking about your personal statement and the numerous supplemental essays you’ll have to write before you can submit to all the schools on your list.Even though it’s very meaningful work, there’s no denying that this time of year adds a lot of pressure and responsibility to your plate. Wouldn’t it be great if you could apply to your dream school and not have to worry about all the time-consuming and, if done correctly, revision-heavy writing?Maybe.To some extent, the ease or difficulty of an application is part of a college’s strategy to attract its student base. Schools like Georgetown that require their own separate application and a greater number of standardized tests than average want every student who applies to do so after much critical thinking. Colleges that offer a “fast app” where little more than your biographical info and high school transcript are required are interested in attracting a wide range of capable students who may not have otherwise known about the college.Before you get too excited about adding a college to your list because the application is simple to fill out or there’s no writing supplement required, ask yourself the questions discussed below to make sure you aren’t negatively impacting your chances of admission.

Am I Applying Because the App Made Me Feel Special?

It’s human nature to feel wanted when you get a personalized card in the mail granting you special access to a fast application that’s been pre-populated with most of your information and doesn’t require an essay. Someone has clearly taken notice of your hard work.The truth is you are special; but in this way, your experience is quite common. Colleges use this marketing ploy to drive up the number of applications and boost their own reputation.But that doesn’t mean that the school isn’t a good fit for you. Do your own research and see how well the school fits your particular interests and goals. If you’re sufficiently intrigued by the possibility of studying at that college, continue on with this list. If not, save yourself the time and possible application fee–don’t apply.

Would I Attend This College?

This seems like an obvious question, but far too many students apply to colleges to which they have no real interest in attending. There are plenty of great reasons to want to go to a certain school. There are plenty of poor reasons as well. But at least have a clear-cut reason.Remember, admissions isn’t a game to be won or lost. There’s no prize for collecting the most acceptances. The prize is in finding the best fit.If your reason for submitting an application amounts to, “What the heck, at least there’s no essay...” then do not apply!

Would Providing More Information Help My Chances?

There are many cases where the context you give an admissions officer makes all the difference in how he or she evaluates your application.

• Did you earn an uncharacteristically poor grade during a really tough semester?
• Are your grades and test scores generally near or below the averages at the school you’re applying?
• Do your extracurricular activities extend beyond the “normal” high school pursuits?
• Are you a strong writer with a developing unique voice?
• Have you had an experience that altered how you perceive the world and approach your education or future?
• Have you visited the campus or have friends and family who’ve attended and given you insight into why it might be right for you too?

These are just some of the reasons why it may be worth your time to complete the standard application which allows you to elaborate on the points of your life that make you special. If you answered yes to even one of these, it’s very possible that your chances of admission will increase if you can carefully craft a compelling narrative through your application.Writing your story gives you a chance to be more than the sum of your data points. Unless you’re confident the likelihood you’ll be admitted is very high, you should strongly consider spending the extra time to tell your full story.

Would I Actually Attend This College?

Ask yourself again. Try to remove yourself from the stress and noise of the process to really see if you can envision a future on that campus.Are you reacting to the impulse of feeling like you need to add more schools just “to be safe”? Or have you discovered a college that suits your tastes and also happens to have a simple process?The only right answer is the one that is true for you. Be sure that you would be content to attend that college if it were the only place to which you were accepted.

Plan Your Application Strategy Thoughtfully

The key to making your college application process successful is to make it intentional. Selecting the appropriate colleges and crafting essays that move the reader requires thoughtfulness and deep reflection.Often partnering with an independent counselor who understands both the admissions process and creative writing process can help students extract more from themselves than they previously realized was possible.The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.See what others are saying about us