Question 1

What is RUApplying?

Accepted Answer

RUApplying is a tool that enables classmates to confidentially share information about their intended college application choices and display it in an aggregated format for their specific high school. The platform promotes transparency in the college application process by revealing information about the applicant pool from the selected high school while maintaining the confidentiality of individual applicants. RUApplying is designed to be a collaborative undertaking in a process that is otherwise known for intense competition.

Question 2

Why did you create RUApplying?

Accepted Answer

RUApplying was created in 2024 to provide information that helps college applicants and their families make better decisions about how to spend their time and money in the application process. The need for this tool was made clear during a recent application cycle during which 25% of the students at a competitive college prep high school unwittingly applied Early Decision to the same two colleges - a losing strategy that could have been avoided with greater access to information. More information can help guide the development of a balanced college list and reduce the clustering of applications that often occurs at competitive high schools.
The reality is that the current admissions process serves the interests of high schools and colleges first. We hope our new information tool empowers students to collectively begin changing that dynamic.

Question 3

At what point during the application process is RUApplying most useful?

Accepted Answer

RUApplying is designed as a seasonal platform for high school seniors. We anticipate it will be utilized from August through November, while high school seniors from the class of 2025 are making decisions about where to apply to college. At the end of the application cycle, user information from this class will be removed from the platform in preparation for the next class to begin the application cycle.

Question 4

What is the process for sharing and accessing information?

Accepted Answer

1) Register using your real name, high school, and email contact information 2) After verification from your Class Administrator, enter your personal selections including Early Decision and Legacy status if applicable 3) Review the aggregated data display for your high school.

Question 5

Once I sign up, should I share the aggregated data with people who are not participating on RUApplying?

Accepted Answer

No. If you share the aggregated data with classmates who are not yet signed up with RUApplying, they will have no incentive to register and participate. When classmates register and share their college application information, the platform becomes more useful. Instead of sharing data, please encourage your classmates to participate. The more data shared among classmates, the higher the quality of the data for everyone

Question 6

Is the data accurate? Will students knowingly provide false information?

Accepted Answer

There is no incentive to mislead classmates or provide false information, particularly given the possible unintended consequences of doing so.  For example, suppose you omit your top college choice out of concern that high interest in that college might make it more interesting to classmates and inspire them to apply.  But by your omitting that college from your selections, the lower number of applicants displayed might in fact be perceived by classmates as an opportunity to apply with less competition. It is very difficult to “game" this system without knowing the motivations of your fellow applicants, so it is in your best interest to be accurate in the information you provide and to encourage classmates to do the same. This is a rare opportunity to work collaboratively with your classmates during this competitive process.

Question 7

What is the Early Decision designation listed next to some colleges on the selection page? Why do you include that?

Accepted Answer

Many colleges offer early admissions programs that enable students to submit applications early and receive their admissions decisions before the standard spring notification date. Some of these programs are exclusive and/or binding, while others place no restrictions on applicants. For the purpose of the RUApplying platform, the Early Decision designation refers to all early admissions programs that require exclusivity (i.e. a limit of ONE application under the terms of that program) whether or not they are binding. This includes Early Decision (ED), Single Choice Early Action (SCEA) and Restrictive Early Action (REA).  It does NOT include standard Early Action (EA) applications, since students may apply to an unlimited number of those programs without restriction.  You are asked to share your Early Decision selection (if applicable) as it is another element where cooperation amongst students may limit the crowding of applications resulting in better outcomes for students within a specific high school class.

Question 8

How do you prevent people from accessing information about students from other high schools?

Accepted Answer

Every high school will be assigned a Class Administrator who is a student at the high school. They serve a simple but important role by verifying that all students providing data for a specific high school are current seniors who are enrolled at the school. Note that Class Administrators will view the names of students who register in order to verify them, but they do not have access to individual college selections. They view the same aggregated data as their classmates. If you are interested in this role, please click on the Class Administrator link in the sign up area.

Question 9

Do you work with or on behalf of the high schools attended by students who use RUApplying?

Accepted Answer

No. This platform is intended to facilitate information sharing by and for students. Our goal is to equip you with information that is not typically provided by high school counselors and college admissions officers. We do not coordinate with any institutions in our efforts.

Question 10

Do you support this website by selling data and hosting ads?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not sell or share your data, and we do not display ads. The purpose of RUApplying is to begin shifting the dynamic of the college application process so that students have better access to information that is potentially useful to them. We charge a small $2.99 registration fee to cover development and operating costs.

Question 11

My high school is not listed on the sign up page. Can I still participate?

Accepted Answer

For its initial launch in the 2024-2025 application season, RUApplying will cover a limited number of high schools. If your high school does not appear on the sign up page, you may request to add your high school. A member of the RUApplying team will follow up with you.

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