Not all universities offer early decision to incoming students. The second option offers a later application deadline in January, giving you a little more time to decide if the process is right for you and to prepare your application. Early decision I applications are typically due in November, and you'll receive a response in December. But it's generally not a good idea to renege on your end of the agreement.ĭepending on the school, you may get early decision I and II. Of course, if there's a serious issue with the financial aid offer you receive, you can back out in some cases. On the other, though, it means you have to be sure about your decision, and you won't get the option to compare financial aid offers from multiple schools. On the one hand, this process is great for high school students who know where they want to attend and have a strong academic resume. If that happens, you're no longer bound to attend if you get accepted. You also may be deferred to the regular application pool for a later decision. And because the agreement is binding, you can't submit similar applications to other schools unless your application is rejected. The trade-off is that if you apply and get accepted, you're obligated to attend that school.

The early decision process allows prospective college students to apply early and get a response from their first-choice school before most other applicants.

Here's what you need to know about the early decision process and colleges with early decision options. that allow you to apply and receive an admissions decision before most other college students.īut there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind, especially if you're not completely sure where you want to attend. There are many early decision colleges across the U.S. If you're certain about where you want to attend college and you have an impressive academic track record, early decision could increase your chances of acceptance.

Compare colleges to apply