College Applicant Rights

You may not be aware of it, but as a college applicant you have certain rights at many of our nation’s colleges and universities.

As you apply to colleges, you have the right to certain information about them including information about how much it will cost you to attend.  The National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is a member organization that includes more than 11,000 college access professionals around the USA and beyond.  According to them, college applicants have the right to several things, including:

• “Receive factual and comprehensive information from colleges and universities about their admission, financial costs, aid opportunities, practices and packaging policies, and housing policies. If you consider applying under an early admission plan, you have the right to complete information from the college about its process and policies.”
• “Be free from high-pressure sales tactics.”
• “Wait until May 1 to respond to an offer of admission or financial aid. Candidates admitted under early decision programs are a recognized exception to the May 1 deadline.”
• “Colleges that request commitments to offers of admission and/or financial assistance prior to May 1 must clearly offer you the opportunity to request (in writing) an extension until May 1. They must grant you the extension and your request may not jeopardize your status for admission and/or financial aid.”

Know your rights and consult with a teacher or counselor if you feel these or any other potential rights have been violated during the admissions process.