CEP College Planning Process & Timeline Flashcards

What is the Common App Early Decision deadline that CEPs most commonly advise students to target?

Answer: November 1

November 1 is the standard Early Decision I deadline for most Common App member schools, with decisions typically released in mid-December.

A CEP working with a student applying to highly selective schools should advise that demonstrated interest can impact admission at schools that:

Answer: Track and consider interest as a factor in their holistic review

Some selective schools track demonstrated interest (campus visits, emails, event attendance) and factor it into holistic admission decisions.

Which document should a CEP review to understand a high school's curriculum rigor when evaluating a student's transcript?

Answer: School profile submitted to colleges

The school profile provides context about course offerings, grading scales, and class rank policies, helping colleges and CEPs fairly assess transcript rigor.

When advising on extracurricular activities, what principle do CEPs emphasize over breadth of involvement?

Answer: Depth, leadership, and sustained commitment in fewer activities

Colleges value depth and demonstrated leadership in a few meaningful activities over a long list of superficial involvements.

A CEP should advise students applying to test-optional schools to submit scores if their scores fall:

Answer: At or above the school's 50th percentile (median)

Submitting scores at or above the school's median strengthens an application; submitting below the 25th percentile typically weakens it at test-optional schools.

What is a 'gap year' and how should a CEP advise a student who is considering one?

Answer: A structured year of travel, work, or service deferred with college's approval

A gap year should be purposeful and structured; students should secure college admission first, then request a deferral and plan meaningful activities.