early decision

Why We Applied Early Decision

Lauren Czudak ’19
Psychology, Selected Studies in Education
Livonia, NY

Why did you decide to apply Early Decision at Syracuse?

Syracuse was a top choice for me after visiting my brother on campus. At an Orange Preview, I took a tour of campus and met with staff from the School of Education. I learned about Selected Studies, which is such a unique program that has diverse career options.

I fell so in love with the campus and the school and everything it provides. I felt like I was at home. The school spirit and the fact that the whole community “bleeds orange” truly set it apart. Syracuse offered a significant number of student organizations, strong academics, and it was a good distance from home.

What was it like to receive your notification?

I was ultimately admitted to my second choice program. At first, I was extremely disappointed. But my parents were so proud of me and emphasized how competitive Syracuse is. After 15 minutes it hit me how huge the honor was of being accepted ED. Since I wasn’t admitted to my first choice program, the decision was no longer binding. But I still knew I wanted to attend Syracuse. I even transferred into my first choice once I was a student.

Why should students apply ED?

Make sure that you truly see yourself at Syracuse for those four undergraduate years. It is a large commitment, but if you want to attend this university, it’s worth the pressure. Be sure you have conversations with your parents, counselor, and yourself about the application process. Speak your mind and let your parents understand and support your decision.

 

Max Josef ’21
Sport Management
San Francisco, CA

Why did you decide to apply Early Decision at Syracuse?

I began formulating my ideas for what I wanted in college while in middle school. I knew I wanted a mid-sized school with a strong sports team. I ended up visiting five colleges, including Syracuse. I ultimately applied Early Decision at Syracuse because I believed it would best prepare me for my future. The Sport Management program is incredibly strong, with .

Mostly, I wanted my decision early. The college application process is incredibly stressful and I just wanted to know where I was going and have a relaxing second semester.

How did you receive your notification?

I thought I would hear during finals week. I set an alarm on my phone for when I received an email from Syracuse. We were taking a practice final in my Pre-calculus class. As I was finishing up my test, the alarm went off. My teacher shook her head and let me go to the bathroom, telling me to “take my stuff and don’t come back if you don’t get the answer you were expecting.”

Why should students apply ED?

I think it’s a lot less stressful. It makes for a more enjoyable second semester of senior year. For me, I thought it was the best course of action because I knew I wanted to be at Syracuse. I think going Early Decision shows your passion in ways that a 1,500 word essay can’t.

 

Matthew Lyons ’22
Selected Studies in Education
Fair Lawn, NJ

Why did you decide to apply Early Decision at Syracuse?

My cousin graduated from Syracuse, so I heard a lot about the university growing up. It became a true contender in high school, as I was looking for colleges with strong education programs. I visited campus and was struck by how unique the teacher prep programs are in the School of Education. No other school I visited allowed students to have a field placement in the first year.

Syracuse became my first choice. Beyond the impressive academics, I felt at home here. I knew if I got accepted to Syracuse I was going to attend, so why not apply Early Decision? All my application materials were ready to go and it would relieve a lot of stress knowing which college I’d be going to by December of my senior year.

What was the wait like?

The wait was nerve-wracking. You try to put it in the back of your mind, but it’s hard. All my friends who were applying Regular Decision were putting the finishing touches on their applications. But I was dealing with a different type of stress. It was such a relief once I heard back in late December.

Why should students apply Early Decision?

Anyone that is really passionate about Syracuse should apply ED. If the college is your first choice and you can see yourself as part of the Syracuse community, you should apply early. Your application will stand out and it shows your dedication to being Orange.

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Sam Walters, second from left, with some fellow students

 

Matthew DeMattia ’19, Dual Political Science and Television, Radio, and Film major

Why did you apply ED?

I applied ED to Syracuse because I knew, without a doubt, that Syracuse was the school that I wanted to attend. It took me two visits, about 10 hours of driving, and weeks of online research, but I had come to the conclusion that SU was my dream school and that if I wanted to maximize my chance of getting in, I needed to commit by applying ED.

What was the best part about applying ED?

The best part about applying ED is certainly finding out early. I remember receiving my acceptance to Syracuse in mid-December, and that gave me the ability to relax and enjoy the second half of my senior year of high school. While all my peers were frantically trying to finish their applications and anxiously awaiting their decisions, I was simply able to enjoy my last few months of high school, which was absolutely awesome.

What would you say to students who applied ED this year?

I would tell students who applied ED that they made a fantastic decision.

 

Megan Hart ’17- Communication Sciences and Disorders major

Why did you apply ED?

After setting foot on the Syracuse campus, I knew I had to apply ED. Any person I talked to who was affiliated with the university- whether it be a professor, student, alum, etc.- was so incredibly passionate about the university and it was infectious. I know I’ll be 80 years old and tell my grandkids, “I went to Syracuse 60 years ago and am still really excited and proud to have been a part of that.” The alumni network was also a huge draw for me. To know there are thousands upon thousands of people who have graduated and moved on from SU, yet are willing to reach back and help us make the most of our experience, was a huge plus to me.

What was the best part about applying ED?

Aside from the relief of knowing where I was going to college before Christmas of my senior year of high school, I had lots more time than some of my friends to start preparing for college in all sorts of ways. I was able to start prepping physical belongings for my dorm with the weight of the decision lifted off of my shoulders, but I was also able to get on to mentally preparing and being excited about the journey I was going to embark on.

What would you say to students who applied ED this year?

It makes me so happy to hear when students applied early decision! I’m so excited that you’re already living up to the enthusiasm and drive that is the embodiment of Orange Pride. Make this process your own and let your belief in yourself run wild. Some pretty amazing things will happen when you do.

 

Hope Meltser ’18, Dual Graphic Design and Selected Studies in Education major

Why did you apply ED?

I applied early decision because as soon as I came onto campus I knew that Syracuse was the place for me. None of the other colleges I visited had the same feel or reaction. On a less poetic note, I was also extremely stressed out by the idea of choosing a college and the idea of having it done as soon as possible at a school I loved was too good to pass up.

What was the best part about applying ED?

I heard about my admission to Syracuse on December 9, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. and from that point forward I was done! Since I applied ED, Syracuse was the only college application that I had to submit because I heard back early enough that I didn’t have to finish (or submit and pay for) any of the other applications I had started. So, while all my other friends were still having minor breakdowns I was done, happy, and ready to finish out my senior year.

What would you say to students who applied ED this year?

Smart decision everyone!

 

Ankita Varman ’19, Dual Public Relations and Management major

Why did you apply ED?

I applied ED because I knew Syracuse was the place I wanted to be. I heard about the school when I was searching for a school strong in both public relations and business. Then, I heard about the Posse scholarship in Atlanta (I am originally from Johns Creek, GA) and applied through that.

What was the best part about applying ED?

Being secure in my choice and finding out early about my future. I avoided the stress that comes with figuring out college plans second semester of senior year in high school.

What would you say to students who applied ED this year?

Be confident in your choice! You made it because you loved it, and no matter what happens, trust that choice that you made.

 

Samantha “Sam” Walters ’20, Undeclared

Why did you apply ED?

I applied early decision because as soon as I stepped foot on campus at Syracuse, I knew that this was the school for me. I absolutely fell in love with everything about the school, especially the welcoming spirit of the Orange. I also applied early decision because not only was Syracuse my number one choice but I wanted to hear back sooner.

What was the best part about applying ED?

The best part was knowing where I was going to college before I even went on winter break during my senior year of high school. I also liked that I only ended up applying to one college, which was Syracuse, so I never stressed too much about the college application process.

What would you say to students who applied ED this year?

I would hope that they are as happy with their decision as I am and welcome to the Orange family!

 

Learn more about applying Early Decision.