By Tamsin Hurlbut

   As college applications are being processed and Tempe Prep seniors are approaching college decision deadlines, senior Joseph Snyder was recently accepted to the University of Miami through the binding Early Decision application. 

   Early Decision means applicants are committed to going to the school of their choice if they are accepted. 

   Joseph says, “I felt like Early Decision gave me the best chance to get in, and pursue my career.” This application can be a very effective way to try to get into your top school because unknowingly, the acceptance rate actually increases since there is a smaller pool of applicants. 

   He decided on the University of Miami because it is “one of the best schools in the country for what I want to study, which is Sports Marketing and Management, and I fell in love with the campus. (I)t’s near the beach, it’s very resort-like, (and) it’s just the perfect school for me. I’m very excited!” 

   Joseph also says that the Early Decision application alleviated stress. “Early Decision gave me the freedom of not having to worry about where I am going,” he says. “Now it’s one less thing to worry about.” He has security in his college choice, so while many seniors are still nervous about applications, he can enjoy his senior year. 

   He offers this advice to students applying for college: “For people who know what the perfect school is for them, it doesn’t hurt to do early decision. … It gives you the best chance and opportunity to get in.” 

   Joseph has no regrets. “Every once in a while I wonder what if I didn’t apply early decision,” he says, “but when I was on the campus I knew this was where I wanted to go to college.”