ED Is Not a Shortcut to Admission: Which Students Should Not Apply Early Decision?

ED, or Early Decision, is a binding application plan. Students may generally submit an ED application to only one college. If admitted, they are expected to withdraw their other applications and enroll. This is different from EA, which does not require students to commit to attending.

For this reason, ED is most appropriate for students who have a clear first choice, rather than those who simply want to use early admission to reach for a more highly ranked college. If students have not fully explored a college’s academic programs, course offerings, campus environment, or location, they should not make a binding commitment too early. Liking a college’s ranking or reputation does not mean it is the right place for the next four years of study and life.

Families that need to compare financial aid offers should also approach ED carefully. Before applying, they should use the college’s net price calculator to estimate their actual costs and review its financial aid policies. Although students can usually contact the college if the financial aid package is genuinely unaffordable, ED is still based on the expectation that an admitted student will enroll. It does not allow families to wait for all admission decisions and then compare costs. NACAC also makes clear that families needing to compare financial aid offers should not choose ED simply to demonstrate interest.

Students may also want to reconsider ED if their grades, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, or essays are not yet ready. Applying early does not automatically make up for weaknesses in the application. Some students may benefit from including their first semester grades from 12th grade or using a few additional months to strengthen their materials.

Some students may have a preferred college but are not certain that they would attend if admitted. EA or Regular Decision may be more appropriate for them because these plans preserve the option to compare colleges, academic programs, and costs.

ED is not a required application strategy, and it is not the right choice for every student. The decision should ultimately come down to three questions: Is this the student’s clear first choice? Can the family afford the estimated cost? Are the application materials ready to represent the student at their best?

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