Hello! I'm a junior in high school, and I've heard a lot about Early Decision from my friends and counselors. However, I'm not exactly sure how the process works. Can someone explain what Early Decision is, and what the benefits and downsides are? Thank you so much!
Hi there! I'm happy to help you understand the Early Decision process since my child went through it not too long ago. Early Decision (ED) is an option offered by some colleges that allows you to apply earlier than the regular deadline, usually around November. If you're accepted through ED, you're committed to attending that college and must withdraw all other applications you've submitted to other schools. It's important to be sure about your top-choice school before applying ED because it's a binding agreement.
The benefits of applying ED include receiving your acceptance (or rejection) earlier than you would with regular decision applications, which can reduce stress and allow you to focus on finishing high school strong. Additionally, some colleges have higher acceptance rates for ED applicants, so it may slightly improve your chances of getting in.
On the downside, applying ED means you won't have the opportunity to compare financial aid packages from different schools, as you're committed to attending the ED school if accepted. This can be an important consideration for many families.
I hope this helps clarify the Early Decision process for you! Good luck with your college applications and future endeavors!
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