When is early decision for college?

Hello, I am a junior in high school and I have been looking into the college application process. I know that Early Decision is an option, but I’m not sure when the deadlines usually are. Could someone please inform me about the timeline for early decision applications? Thank you so much!

Hey there! It's great to see that you're getting a head start on the college application process. Early Decision (ED) is indeed an option many students consider as they plan their college applications.

Typically, the deadlines for Early Decision applications fall around November 1st, although individual colleges and universities may have slightly different dates. I would recommend double-checking the specific schools you're interested in for exact deadline information. Some schools also offer a second round of Early Decision (ED II), usually with a deadline around January 1st, allowing students who didn't make the first ED cut to apply again or choose a new school after their first choice response.

After you submit the application, decisions are typically released in mid-December for ED I and mid-February for ED II. Keep in mind that Early Decision, unlike Early Action, is binding, meaning that if you're admitted to the college, you are expected to enroll and withdraw all other applications.

It's important to ensure that the school you choose for Early Decision is your absolute top choice, especially considering the binding agreement. You should weigh the pros and cons, do thorough research on the schools you're interested in, and have a plan in place if you get deferred or rejected.

I hope this information helps you get a clearer picture of the Early Decision timeline, and I wish you the best of luck in your college application journey!