Confusion about ED Deadline

I'm getting a bit stressed about the ED (Early Decision) deadline. Can someone break down how it works? Is it binding? When are results typically announced?

Sure, Early Decision (ED) is indeed a binding commitment, meaning that if you are accepted to a school through their ED program, you are expected to enroll. You also agree to withdraw other college applications once you're accepted. The one exception would be if you receive an inadequate financial aid award. In such a case, after having a discussion with the school's financial aid office, you could possibly be released from the ED agreement. As far as deadlines, the most common ED deadline is November 1st, but this can vary slightly by school, so be sure to check specifics on each college's website.

In terms of when decisions are announced, they usually come out in mid-December. However, this can also vary depending on the school you have applied to, so it's always a good idea to confirm with the specific school.

Remember, you should only apply to ED if you are 100% certain that it's the school you want to attend, and you've researched thoroughly including the aspects of potential financial aid, fit, and course offerings. It's not advisable to use ED merely as a strategy to increase chances of acceptance.