Fresno State's Application Deadline Moved Up Abruptly

Every year I repeatedly tell college-bound students to submit their applications EARLY as they can and not wait until the deadline approaches. Everyone knows missing the deadline is a problem. But this is an example of what can happen when you wait to submit paperwork with the ASSUMPTION that you have UNTIL the deadline to safely submit applications.

We are a nation that makes last minute action an art form. Every 12/24 a newscast features people who waited until Christmas Eve to shop. While the consequences of that delay may mean taking what's left or doing your shopping in a 7-11, it's not life changing. Simple as this announcement sounds, it may be a huge problem for students who needed to specifically attend CSU Fresno. This CAN BE a harsh consequence for delaying submission of an application.

I wonder how long it will be before someone files a lawsuit - another art form we have mastered in the US! I can already visualize a tearful student and their lawyer who demands CSU Fresno honor their closing date. They will have all kinds of reasons (excuses) for the application not being ready and will demand their right to submit the application.

I appreciate there is a cost to review an application and cutting them off may save some dollars. And while I agree CSU Fresno has the right to stop accepting applications when they have a good statistical applicant pool, they may find it would have been smarter to just let the clock run out.

Linda P. Taylor

College Funding Network

www.AskLindaPTaylor.com

Linda P Taylor of CA 2:24PM January 15, 2009