Hey guys, I was wondering if early admission to colleges is binding or not. Like, if I get accepted, do I have to attend that college or can I still choose between other schools later on?
Early admission can be either binding or non-binding, depending on the specific application plan a college offers. Early Decision (ED) is a binding application plan, meaning that if you are accepted to a college through Early Decision, you are expected to enroll and withdraw all applications from other colleges. You can only apply to one college through Early Decision.
In contrast, Early Action (EA) is a non-binding application plan. You can apply to one or multiple colleges through Early Action, and if you are accepted, you are not obligated to attend that school. You'll still have time to consider other admission offers you receive from other schools and make a decision by the national decision deadline (May 1st) for most colleges.
It's crucial to understand the specific early admission policies of the colleges you're interested in, so make sure to check each school's website or contact their admissions office for accurate information.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.