Plan
Explore
Apply
Early Decision / Early Action
Increasingly, Early Decision and Early Action admissions programs are popular among students. Under these programs, students submit applications adhering to an earlier than normal deadline, usually in November or December. The college, in turn, promises to notify students early, usually within a month or before the New Year.
Under the Early Decision plan, students promise to apply to only one school as an Early Decision (E.D.) applicant, and attend that school if accepted. Students, and often parents and counselors are required to sign a contract to this effect. Early Action (E.A.) plans are much more flexible. Students receive early notification without the contractual constraint. Far more schools offer E.D. plans; E.A. plans are relatively uncommon.
Why are students taking advantage of E.D. and E.A. plans? If they've conducted a thorough college search that has included visitations and research, students often have a definitive first choice by the fall of their senior year. Students can find out early if they are accepted, and enjoy their senior year far more readily than their anxious, expectant friends. Time and money are also saved when multiple applications are not necessary.
The popularity of these programs is evident in admissions statistics. At many colleges, upwards of 40% of the incoming class are admitted through early acceptance programs.
The great risk of the E D. program is a change of mind. A student who is accepted as an E.D. candidate and later changes his or her mind has a big problem. Other schools will feel they have an ethical obligation to respect a previous E.D. decision. It is imperative that all E.D. applicants are secure and confident in their decision.
