Bunting Criticizes Early Decision On Freshman Class Applicants

Although the Seven College Conference has voted to retain the Early Decision Plan of admissions, Radcliffe College officials have sharply criticized the system under which nearly one-third of the next year's freshman class is selected in October.

The plan forces applicants to choose only one college when they should have two or three alternatives in mind, President Mary I. Bunting declared yesterday, is a result, she claimed, most candidates for Early Decision apply out of a desire for "security" instead of looking around for the school best suited to meet their educational needs and aptitudes.

By requiring applicants for Early Decision to agree "unconditionally" to attend the college if selected, she noted, the plan restricts them from changing their choice during their senior year in high school.

The system should be "less competitive," the President commented. She pointed out that twice as many candidates is are accepted must be deferred for reconsideration in the spring. This group of applicants has to hurry through late applications to other schools and those finally accepted often feel that they were "second choice."

In her annual report, Elizabeth B. Borden, Director of Admissions, noted that "some of our finest applicants appear on the spring roster." In addition, she criticized the EDP because it prevents members of the Committee on Admissions from visiting schools and conducting interviews during the fall.

Tutorial Discussed

At a press conference yesterday, President Bunting praised the proposal to abolish the distinction between Honors and non-Honors programs of study by opening tutorial to all students. "Whether or not a student prefers participating in tutorial work should not determine whether or not he receives Honors," she said.

Stressing that Honors should be given for "quality work," the President added that students should sign up for tutorial as a particular "kind of learning experience," rather than as a prerequisite to a degree with Honors.