For many prospective college students, the hardest part of the process of applying to college or university is waiting for that all-important admission decision.

The Office of Admissions at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee has devised a solution to help high school seniors and their parents avoid those anxious days, even weeks, of uncertainty. It’s “Instant Decision Day,” sort of the higher education equivalent of the express lane at your neighborhood grocery store.

As part of activities associated with Western’s regularly scheduled spring Open House on Saturday, April 12, admissions counselors will be on hand to offer same-day decisions to prospective entering freshmen who apply that day. Prospective students will be able to drop off application materials with admissions counselors on the morning of April 12, attend Open House activities, and learn by lunchtime whether they have been admitted for fall semester, the admissions director said.

High school seniors interested in taking advantage of “Instant Decision Day” should register for the Open House program by clicking on www.poweryourmind.com and going to the Open House or Instant Decision Day links. Students should bring to campus on April 12 a completed application for admission, the required application fee of $40, high school transcripts, and SAT scores.