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Early decision (ED) is a college admissions process that allows students to apply to their top-choice school early and receive an admission decision before the regular application deadlines. It is a binding agreement, meaning that if a student is accepted, they must enroll and withdraw all other college applications. Early decision is designed for students who have a clear first-choice school and are confident in their ability to meet the academic and financial requirements.

How Early Decision Works

Students who choose to apply through early decision must submit their applications earlier than regular decision applicants, typically by November 1 or November 15. In return, they receive their admission decisions in mid-December, well ahead of the traditional spring notification period. This allows them to secure a spot at their preferred college without waiting until March or April.

If accepted, the student is required to attend that college, as early decision is legally binding. The only exception is if financial aid does not meet the student’s needs, in which case they may be released from the agreement. If a student is deferred, their application will be reconsidered during the regular decision process. If denied, they cannot reapply to that school in the same admissions cycle.

Benefits of Applying Early Decision

One of the biggest advantages of early decision is the increased chance of acceptance at many selective colleges. Since these schools want to secure a committed group of students early, they often admit a higher percentage of early decision applicants compared to regular decision. Applying early can also reduce stress by providing clarity on college plans months before other applicants receive their decisions.

For students who are certain about their top-choice school, early decision allows them to demonstrate strong interest, which can make a positive impression on admissions officers. Additionally, applying early means students can focus on preparing for college rather than managing multiple applications throughout senior year.

Considerations Before Choosing Early Decision

Although early decision offers advantages, it is not the right choice for every student. Because it is binding, applicants must be absolutely sure about their school choice before applying. This means researching academic programs, campus culture, financial aid options, and career opportunities. Unlike regular decision applicants, early decision students do not have the opportunity to compare financial aid packages from multiple schools. If cost is a significant factor, applying early decision may not be the best option unless the student is confident in their ability to afford the school.

It is also important to assess academic readiness. Early decision applicants should have a strong junior year transcript, as there is less opportunity to improve grades before submission. Standardized test scores should also be finalized, as there is limited time to retake exams.

How Early Decision Differs from Early Action

Early decision is often confused with early action (EA), but there are key differences. While both options allow students to apply early and receive decisions ahead of regular applicants, early action is not binding. This means students can apply to multiple schools through early action, receive their decisions early, and still take time to compare offers before committing. Some schools offer restrictive early action (REA), which limits students to applying early to only one private institution, but it is still non-binding.

Early decision, on the other hand, requires a commitment upon acceptance. Because of this, students applying early decision should be completely sure about their school choice, while those who want flexibility may prefer early action.

Early Decision II: A Second Chance for Committed Applicants

Some colleges offer a second round of early decision known as Early Decision II (ED II). This option has a later deadline, typically in early January, with decisions released in February. ED II allows students who may have been deferred or rejected from their first-choice school—or those who were not ready to commit in the fall—to apply early decision to another institution. Like ED I, ED II is binding, so students must enroll if accepted.

This option gives students more time to strengthen their application while still benefiting from the advantages of early decision.

Is Early Decision the Right Choice?

Applying early decision is a big commitment and should only be pursued by students who are certain about their top-choice school. It is an excellent option for those who have thoroughly researched their college choices, are confident in their academic qualifications, and do not need to compare financial aid packages.

For students who want an early admissions decision but prefer to keep their options open, early action may be a better fit. Those who need more time to improve their academic profile or explore multiple college choices may benefit from applying through regular decision instead.

Early decision can be a great strategy for students who are prepared and fully committed to a particular school. By understanding how it works and carefully evaluating their options, students can make an informed decision about whether early decision aligns with their college goals.