How to Know When to Apply Early Decision
It’s that time of year where students begin to consider the age-old question: is it worth it to apply early decision? When deciding whether or not to apply early decision, students must consider a variety of different factors, making the decision a little more complicated than simply ED-ing your top choice school. Between financial implications, application cycles for other schools, and the legally binding nature of Early Decision, a lot of thought goes into the decision to apply early decision.
What is Early Decision?
A type of application plan intended for students with a clear and definite front-runner, early decision allows students to apply early to only one college. The catch? Admission to the school is legally binding, with limited exceptions for financial reasons or other extenuating circumstances. Early decision applicants apply to their first-choice school, typically a private college, in early November and receive an admissions decision in December. While applicants cannot apply early to other schools with early decision plans, applicants can apply early to public schools with early action plans.
Pros of Early Decision
Why would someone choose to apply early decision given the restrictive nature of the application plan? Well, there are many benefits to applying early decision, the most glaring being higher acceptance rates. By applying early decision to a college, students explicitly show a college that they are their first choice, an unparalleled display of demonstrated interest. In 2019, Northwestern University’s early decision acceptance rate nearly tripled that of its regular decision plan.
If admitted, early decision applicants also save time and money on applications to other schools. Without the stress of managing multiple application cycles, students admitted through early decision plans have more time to find a sense of community at their school, plan their housing, and make other general preparations.
That being said, applicants should not choose early decision for the fringe benefits. These benefits simply follow after a student has made the choice to apply early decision.
Cons of Early Decision
Given the benefits, why do many students shy away from applying early decision? Often, it’s about choices. Early decision places the pressure to decide on a college onto students’ shoulders before their senior year of high school really begins. A legally binding commitment to one college at the start of the college applications cycle seems intimidating to many, as students often need more time to evaluate which school is right for them.
Applying early decision also presents a major financial risk, as students lose the opportunity to compare financial aid and scholarship plans between different schools. Although an early decision contract can be broken due to financial reasons, applying early decision is still a risk for students dependent on financial aid.
Is early decision right for me?
While college applications often seem so data-driven, nothing beats stepping onto a campus and immediately feeling a sense of belonging. There’s often a sentimental tie for students choosing to apply early decision; in a sense, the school they’re applying to already feels like home. Some of my friends who applied early decision to Northwestern shared family ties to the school or fell head over heels in love on their tour.
When choosing your application plan, it’s important to manage both sentiment and practicality. Is the school affordable for your family? Does the location make sense? Does it have everything you need to not only succeed, but thrive? There’s a lot more to consider than simply how the school makes you feel. Go on a tour (virtual or in person) and ask plenty of questions. Get in touch with current students. Stalk the school’s website. Certainty is everything when it comes to applying early decision.
Making the decision
Deciding whether or not to apply early decision is a complicated and pivotal decision; it’s important to treat it accordingly. If you’re currently considering early decision, be sure to give yourself time to decide. Since applying early decision involves not only you, but also your family, be sure to hear their input and involve them in the decision. Reach out to your guidance counselor as well, as they’ll need to fill out paperwork as part of the application process.
My reflections
As someone who nearly applied early decision to a school but ultimately decided not to, I experienced all of the back and forth while trying to decide whether or not to apply early. Some days I felt certain of applying early, and other days I felt completely unsure. I remember touring the school that I wanted to apply early to and falling in love. For a moment, it felt like home.
After evaluating my options carefully at home, I asked for Courtney’s advice, and she asked me one question that made all the difference: if you got into every school on your list, would you attend this school? Honestly, I wasn’t sure.
Ultimately, I decided not to apply early. I found other schools that provoked similar feelings and ultimately valued the freedom to choose my school after receiving decisions from colleges over the connection I felt to this school.
I did not end up at the school I wanted to apply early to, and I can confidently say that it’s for the better. Through the college applications and BS/MD interview cycle, I grew and changed, as did my priorities. At the end of my senior year, I found myself wanting different things than I valued before applying to college. Accordingly, my choice of school changed, and I ended up at a school I did not anticipate falling in love with. A change of preferences is perfectly normal as students navigate their senior year of high school, a time of growth and change.
Everyone’s decision to apply early decision is highly unique and personal; just because I didn’t choose that path doesn’t mean that it won’t be right for you. With early decision deadlines later this fall, good luck to all the students who shoot their shot at the place they want to call home.
[by: Preeta Kamat]
