First-time college applicants that have been yearning for more time to spend writing their statements and submitting their applications are in luck after the University of Wisconsin Admissions Office extended the application deadline due to the recent blizzard.
Because high school and office closures have made it difficult for applications to be received on time, admissions officials have extended the deadline for undergraduate applications from Feb. 1 to Feb. 8.
UW Office of Admissions Director Adele Brumfield said prospective students have been posed with a challenge in receiving or sending transcripts and other application materials to the admissions office due to the storm.
Brumfield said the decision to delay the application deadline was made with the applicants’ best interests in mind.
“The effect was to calm people. We want to make sure we’re accommodating young people wherever we’re able,” she said.
She added the Office of Admissions wanted to make a fair decision and show applicants that they appreciate their interest in UW.
Brumfield said in the past UW has been known for its tight application restrictions, and this is the first change in application deadlines in a few years.
Jocelyn Milner, associate provost and director of academic planning and analysis, said she considered the decision to extend the deadline a move that may encourage positive opinions of UW for applicants.
“I expect that the extension was made compassionately, and it will reflect positively on the university,” she said.
In addition to the extension of the deadline, students must now submit a letter of explanation along with their application materials, Brumfield said.
She said the letter would be required to explain the extenuating circumstances that may have caused the application to be received after the original deadline.
Brumfield added the “grace period” has not yet caused much confusion.
She also said the extension of the deadline will only affect applications for incoming freshmen and will not be effective for graduate or transfer applications.
Milner also said she was hoping students would still be able to make a choice based on academics and a good fit for them, not based on the constraints of an application deadline.
