Early Decision plans are binding: A student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college.  Not all colleges have an Early Decision application. Students who are applying Early Decision, ED should consult with their counselor and parents/guardians. Usually there is a ED agreement form that needs to be signed by all parties when applying. 

*ED plans have come under fire as unfair to students from families with low incomes, since they do not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers. This may give an unfair advantage to applicants from families who have more financial resources.  Therefore, more often ED applications are not highly recommended. 

ED Applicants:

• Apply early (usually in November) to first-choice college.

• Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December).

• Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family.

• Apply to only one college early decision.

• Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.

• Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED.

• Send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1.

Apply Early:

A student should apply early to an ED or EA plan if the student:

• Has researched colleges extensively.

• Is absolutely sure that the college is the first choice.

• Has found a college that is a strong match academically, socially and geographically.

• Meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college for SAT scores, GPA, and class rank.

• Has an academic record that has been consistently solid over time