What is the truth about early decision?

Some students and high school counselors believe that applying early decision gives them better odds of acceptance, but the truth is early acceptance rates and admissions standards vary from school to school.

Does early decision really increase chances?

On average, applying ED is going to result in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools. The benefit becomes less pronounced the less selective the school is.

Is it a bad idea to apply early decision?

Experts recommend only applying early decision if you have a clear top-choice school. Senior year is a busy time for high school students, especially those planning to attend college.

Is early decision really an advantage?

Some colleges will say that students have a better chance of admission if they apply early using early decision, but it really depends upon the applicant pool and how selective the college is overall.

Why do I regret applying early decision?

Students who regret their decision to apply ED are usually unhappy because of the financial aid package they receive. Early-decision students usually know what they're in for when they apply, but your financial aid package is one thing that you can't predict. The college bill can take anyone by surprise.

The TRUTH About Early Decision Applications

What happens if you choose early decision and don't go?

Early decision colleges may reach out to other schools to let them know you broke your agreement, which can reflect poorly on your applications. You'll also lose any deposit money you put down.

Does early decision give you less money?

Applying early decision might improve your odds of being accepted with certainty to your dream school, but it might limit your financial aid opportunity at the same time. As an early decision applicant, you agree that, if admitted, you will enroll at that university and withdrawal your applications from other colleges.

Is it better to apply early or regular?

Applying early can be a good idea if you're sure about which college you want to attend. That means you've researched its programs and, if possible, visited its campus. But think twice about applying early if: You want to compare admission and financial aid offers from several colleges.

Does early decision favor the wealthy?

While the compulsion to go to a certain school may outweigh factors like financial aid for some students, the majority of the applicant pool isn't as lucky. Early decision admissions leads to an overwhelming number of affluent students at many of the country's most prestigious schools.

Why would anyone apply early decision?

For a student who has a definite first-choice college, applying early has many benefits: Reduces stress by cutting the time spent waiting for a decision. Saves the time and expense of submitting multiple applications. Gain more time, once accepted, to look for housing and otherwise prepare for college.

Who should not apply early decision?

You're strongly considering other schools

It's completely possible to be in love with multiple schools, but you can't apply to more than one for early decision. You should, however, apply to other schools via regular decision if you don't get accepted to your early decision school.

Is early decision 2 worse than early decision 1?

As we discussed earlier, you'll get a lot of the same advantages of ED I by applying ED II, just with a later timetable. Acceptance rates for ED II applicants do tend to be higher than those for RD applicants, though they're not quite as high as for ED I applicants.

What happens if you apply early decision and get accepted?

Remember, early decision is binding, it is contractual. You can only apply early decision to one school because if you are accepted to that school, you have contracted to attend that school upon admission.

What are the disadvantages of early decision?

Is early decision harder than regular?

Acceptance rates for ED candidates are always higher than during regular admissions. If you have a first choice, it is always best to apply ED.

Is early decision smart?

If the financial commitment is a concern, EA might be a more suitable choice as it allows applicants to compare financial aid offers from different schools. Applying Early Action or Early Decision can be an advantageous strategy for high school students who have a clear top-choice college in mind.

What if early decision is too expensive?

Fortunately, students can usually turn down an ED offer if the financial aid is insufficient. “If the net cost of the college is completely unaffordable, you can ask the admissions committee to release you,” said Shirag Shemmassian, founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting.

Does early decision make a big difference?

Since early decision is your statement that you will indeed attend their school, they are more likely to admit you, assuming that you are qualified. And if you show demonstrated interest by applying early, it's a good indicator to them that you are serious about attending and more likely to accept an offer.

How many schools should I apply early to?

In most cases, you can apply early action to as many schools as you want. Early action is a non-binding application, and you're free to turn down any school you apply early action to and get accepted by. However, a small number of schools have restrictive early action policies.

How binding is early decision?

Unlike other admissions deadlines – including early action, regular decision and rolling admissions – early decision is binding. This means that, if accepted, an early decision applicant is required to attend the college.

What is the difference between early decision 1 and early decision 2?

Both ED plans show that a student is willing to attend if accepted, but ED II permits applications to be submitted later in the cycle, typically in time for Regular Decision (RD) deadlines.

What happens if you get accepted to 2 early decisions?

While EA allows you to submit an application early, it is non-binding and does not confer the same admissions boost as applying Early Decision. You can of course apply to both schools, but remember that ED is binding, and if both offer you a place, you will be obligated to attend the school you applied to ED.

How much does early decision help you?

Early decision is an option that allows students to single out their top-choice school and apply to it months before regular applications are due. The choice is binding, but the student is rewarded with an earlier answer from the school, and a higher percentage chance of getting in.

Are early decision programs unfair?

The early decision application process favors rich, privileged students and should be abolished to ensure a fair college admissions process. Early decision acceptance rates are on average 30-50% higher than regular decision acceptance rates, according to College Zoom.

Can you back out of early decision if you can t afford it?

Most of the time, they will let students walk away without holding them financially responsible; however, they may put that student's reputation on the line. Some schools share their list of students who have backed out of their ED commitment without an acceptable reason to the other schools to which they applied.