Early decision, like early action, is an accelerated college application process in which students typically must complete their applications in November. In most cases, students will then receive a decision from the college before the new year.
Early decision has a few obvious benefits:
- Frequently the acceptance rate is higher for early decision than it is for regular admissions.
- Students who aren't accepted early are still considered with the regular applicant pool.
- Students who are accepted early are done stressing about getting into college months before most applicants.
- Early decision is binding. If admitted, a student must attend the school or else lose a sizable enrollment deposit.
- A student may apply to only one college early (although additional applications for regular admissions are allowed).
- If accepted, a student must withdraw all other college applications.
- A student accepted early must decide to attend before receiving a financial aid package (note that inadequate financial aid is the one allowable reason for breaking an early decision contract).
Also, be careful about the financial aid issue. A student who gets accepted through early decision has no way to compare financial aid offers. The money issue, in fact, is the main reason why a few schools like Harvard and University of Virginia dropped their early decision programs; they felt it gave wealthy students an unfair advantage.
The chart below shows a small sampling of early decision deadlines and response dates.
| Sample Early Decision Dates | ||
| College | Application Deadline | Receive a Decision by... |
| Alfred University | December 1 | December 15 |
| Boston University | November 1 | December 15 |
| Brandeis University | November 15 | December 15 |
| Emory University | Novemer 1 | December 15 |
| Harvey Mudd | November 15 | December 15 |
| University of Florida | October 1 | December 1 |
| Williams College | November 10 | December 15 |

