Tips & Tricks

Students who are applying Early Decision (ED) must sign a contract (agreement) that states that if they are accepted to the college/university they will attend and withdraw all other applications they have submitted.

The student and the student's parent/guardian must sign the agreement, as well as the student's school counselor.

Steps for students to sign the ED Agreement:

• Log into your Common App account.

• Select the "My Colleges" top tab.

• Choose the college/university where you will be applying ED.

• Click on the "Questions" link under the college/university name.

• Choose Early Decision for the "Preferred admission plan" question.

• Check the box next to the statement that you understand what applying ED means.

• Type your name into the "ED Signature" box.

• Complete all other required questions in this section and click the "Continue" button.

When the above steps are completed, the student will need to invite their parent/guardian to sign the agreement as well.

Steps for inviting a Parent/Guardian to sign the ED Agreement:

• Click on the "FERPA & Recommenders" link under the college/university name.

• Scroll to the "Parent" section.

• Click the "Invite" link.

• Enter your parent/guardian's name and email address.

• Click the "Invite" button.

An email will be sent to the student's parent/guardian with a link for them to sign the ED Agreement.

Once the student's parent/guardian has signed the ED Agreement, please let the student's school counselor know.

The student's school counselor will sign the ED Agreement after the above steps have been completed.