Admission Practices Committee: Frequently Asked Questions

+What is the mission of the IACAC Admission Practices Committee?

The AP committee’s primary mission is to educate counselors and colleges/universities in their efforts to serve students and families about compliance with the Statement of Principles and Good Practices as part of the admissions profession.

 

+What is the difference between an inquiry and an allegation?

An inquiry is the notification of a possible violation brought to the AP committee. An allegation is the determination of an actual violation by the AP committee.

 

+Whom should I contact if I have an AP issue about which I am concerned?

You are welcome to contact either of the AP co-chairs if you would like to discuss a situation prior to completing an inquiry form. Names and contact information of the current co-chairs are listed on the IACAC website. An official investigation will not take place until an inquiry form is completed and submitted.

 

+If my inquiry is about an out-of-state institution, do I file the inquiry form with IACAC or that state/regional ACAC?

The inquiry form should be filed with IACAC AP and the AP committee will follow up with the appropriate state and regional ACAC.

 

+How will I know if my inquiry has been settled?

Part of the process with any inquiry is to keep the individual making the inquiry in the communication loop. At the very least, any individual making an official inquiry will receive notification of the outcome once the issue is resolved.

 

+Are inquiries to the AP committee confidential?

All inquiries and the identity of the person or institution making the inquiry will be kept confidential.

 

+Is the May 1st candidate reply date a postmarked date or a receipt date?

The May 1st date is considered a postmark date and/or a receipt date for electronic applications (See SPGP B1A-D).

 

+Are there any circumstances under which a student may be required to commit to a college before May 1?

Other than through early decision and athletic scholarship offers, admitted students have until May 1st to make a final decision. Any enrollment, scholarship, or financial aid offers must be honored until that date. This includes admission to limited enrollment programs.

 

+What are the consequences for institutions that refuse to come into compliance with SPGP?

The vast majority of institutions come into compliance when they are notified of a violation. If any institution refuses to comply with the SPGP agreement, they may be excluded from participation in state, regional, or national college fairs. In addition, they may receive an official statement of non-compliance, have voting privileges suspended, or membership in NACAC, state, and regional organizations terminated.