NYT Letter to the Editor: Early Decision Admissions as a Powerful Equalizer

In a recent New York Times op-ed, Patrick Rametti, Senior Director of College Access and Success at Uncommon School, responded to critiques of early decision admissions, explaining why this pathway has become a powerful equalizer for students from low-income families.

Daniel Currell argues that early decision is a racket that must be shut down, but for the students from low-income families I serve, it’s been the great equalizer.

Since 2010, 946 of our students have enrolled at colleges to which they applied early decision and have earned over $200 million in grants and scholarships, many without taking out loans. Many institutions that offer early decision also meet full need, making this path an effective strategy for students from low-income households. Early decision does not rob students of getting into their perfect-fit college. A good college counselor should assist students in building a well-balanced list of colleges where they can thrive. Our students — most of whom are first-generation —understand that colleges have limited seats and financial aid dollars, and the early bird gets the worm. Is it a “complex strategy matrix,” as Mr. Currell puts it? Yes, but it’s one we need and are willing to navigate so our students can afford to go to college and succeed.

Originally appeared in The New York Times’ Letters to the Editor (subscription paywall).