Truth: Submitting your application by the deadline is key. Most of the time, however, submitting your application earlier than the college requires does not guarantee you’ll be accepted. But, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead, allow for ample time to complete the application, and of course, write your essays.

But what if you already know which college you wish to attend? Getting a head start on your application can have its advantages. First, take a careful look at the many options available during the application process. Several colleges and universities provide an Early Decision Program for students who are certain of which colleges they wish to attend.  

What is an Early Decision Program?

An Early Decision program allows high school students the opportunity to get a jump-start on the application process. A word of caution: make sure you do your research and you are certain you want to go to a particular college, as most Early Decision programs require you to withdraw all applications at other schools and attend if you are accepted. Check with the admissions department to see if they offer an Early Decision program, and if so, what kind of restrictions apply.  

What are the benefits of an Early Decision Program?

• A better chance of getting into the college you want:

Statistics show many colleges let in more early decision applicants than regular applicants. This makes sense when you think about it. Colleges want students who are serious about attending their schools because this affects their "yield" (the percentage of students who enroll out of all the students who are accepted). Early decision applicants are often required to attend and therefore, the school's yield goes up along with its rankings.

• A head start:

Being a part of an early decision program means you will have an earlier application deadline, usually six weeks before the regular admissions deadline. However, this also means that you will hear a decision before regular applicants and that means you can begin your financial aid applications, dorm assignments and one-on-one college interviews before the rest of the group. One early decision applicant talks about their experience here.

What are some disadvantages of an Early Decision Program?

• Binding agreement:

One thing you must keep in mind is that if you’re accepted as an Early Decision student, you must attend the college. This is why it is so important to do as much research on the schools that interest you as you can. Make sure you know tuition rates, GPA expectations, graduation requirements, and expected financial aid before you begin an Early Decision Program. 

• Only one application:

If you decide to go the Early Decision route, keep in mind you can only apply to one school’s Early Decision program. If you wish to apply to any other college or university, you will have to go through the regular application process.

Tell us what you think about the early decision program. What do you like/dislike about it? Have you had a good experience with it? We want to hear from you

Everyone says that college admissions is super competitive, but so is enrollment apparently. The tables have turned and the colleges are ready to turn on the charm to roll your acceptance letter into a real enrollment at their institution.  Just like you worried about your chances of getting in, your future college is worried about getting you to enroll after they accept you. The percentage of students who matriculate out of all of those accepted is a concept called “yield”, which factors into how colleges are scored in rankings.  (Institutions with higher yield are considered more desirable and therefore, are ranked higher.) Now it’s your turn to see which college, vying for your enrollment is the right fit for you.