Is there an advantage to applying Early Decision? Is it true that some colleges take as much as 50% of their class early? Are admission rates the same for the early pool as for the regular pool? Is it the same at every college?
These questions perplex students as they seek admission to the colleges of their choice. It is true that there are a higher percentage of acceptances among Early Decision candidates as compared to Regular Decision candidates. However, it is important to understand that the group is to some extent self-selecting. Students who apply in the Early rounds are usually the strongest candidates. Their likelihood of acceptance would be higher even in the Regular round.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that applying in the Early round can present an advantage for a student, but Early Decision is not right for everyone. It is critical to understand that an Early Decision application is binding on the student. If the college accepts a student under the Early Decision plan, the student agrees that s/he will accept the offer and attend that college. Students should only apply Early Decision if they have a clear first choice college. If there is any doubt whatsoever, the student should not apply Early Decision.
Additionally, students who need to take the SAT or ACT again in the fall to improve their scores, and students who are counting on grades in the first semester of senior year to increase their chance of admission, should not apply in the Early round. Students who apply Early must be content to rely on their record as it stands at the end of junior year. The new scores and grades will not be available in time.
Students for whom financial aid is important also should think carefully about applying Early Decision. Although financial aid decisions are now based on the previous year’s income, and will be available along with Early Decision acceptances, some families will want the flexibility of comparing offers from all colleges They should apply in the Regular round in order to be able to evaluate all of their offers before selecting a college. As is evident, despite the advantage of applying Early Decision, it is certainly not appropriate for many students. Only those students who have a clear first choice college, can stand on their junior record, and are not concerned with financial aid should apply Early Decision.
A non-binding alternative to Early Decision that is attractive for many students is Early Action. Many colleges offer an Early Action plan whereby they agree to give the student an early response to their application; however, if an offer of admission is extended, the student does not need to respond until the regular Candidates’ Reply date of May 1.
Applying under the Early Action plan can give students an early idea of their admissibility while still affording them the opportunity to evaluate financial aid packages and investigate additional colleges until later in senior year. Having an early acceptance in one’s pocket takes a lot of the pressure off while students wait for March decisions. This is an attractive alternative to Early Decision for most students.
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Northcoast Educational Consulting
