(Source: Columbia University)

The recent moves by Harvard and Princeton to drop early decision admissions options have rekindled debate about the merits and shortcomings of such programs. Observers are curious if other Ivies will follow suit. So far, none of the schools is willing to drop early decision and lose its inherent advantages.

Here's how the AP captured it:

The recent decisions by Harvard and Princeton to drop early admissions have reignited a spirited debate: is ending the practice a recipe for making the college application process better, or worse?

Starting with the class entering in 2008, the Ivy League schools will cut programs common at many American universities that give high school seniors who apply in the fall a decision by mid-December - before most universities' regular admissions application deadlines.

Now, they will evaluate all students in the same pool, and notify everyone together in the spring.

The schools argued that early admissions informally discriminates against disadvantaged students and fuels anxiety.

Only a tiny sliver of college-bound students will be affected by Harvard's and Princeton's decisions, but the schools' prominence - and the prospect of other schools following suit - have sparked debate among educators and alumni about whether scrapping early admissions will improve the application process.

Most universities admit some students through early admissions, though the rules vary from school to school. Harvard, for instance, has used "early action," which gives high school seniors who apply in the fall a decision by mid-December, but still allows them to apply elsewhere in the spring. Princeton was among the schools using "early decision," in which fall applicants commit to attending if accepted.

Many support the changes, saying early admissions - particularly early decision - "structurally" discriminates against disadvantaged students. They say poorer families won't risk committing to one school without seeing what kind of financial aid they are offered elsewhere. And their guidance counselors may lack the expertise to properly advise them.

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