Hi all! I'm a junior, and I'm already thinking about the college application process. I've heard of Early Decision and Regular Decision, but I'm not sure which is the better option for me. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks in advance!
Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about the college application process early. I recently went through this with my own child, so I can share some insight. Early Decision (ED) is a binding agreement, which means that if you're accepted, you commit to attending that college. This can be beneficial if you have a top choice and are confident you want to go there. Colleges often have higher acceptance rates for ED applicants, and it can be less stressful knowing where you'll be attending earlier in the year. However, you won't be able to compare financial aid offers from other schools, and you'll need to have your application materials ready earlier. Regular Decision (RD) gives you more time to work on your application, and you can apply to multiple colleges without any commitment. You'll be able to compare financial aid offers and make a more informed decision. The main downside is that acceptance rates are usually lower in RD. Good luck!
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