Decide on ED school

Overview

Early Decision (ED) is binding: if admitted, you must enroll. Choose your ED school carefully and commit by late October to send materials by November 1.

What ED Means

• Apply by November 1 (usually)
• Decision by mid-December
• If admitted: must enroll
• Withdraw from other applications
• Can only apply ED to ONE school

ED vs. Early Action (EA)

ED (Binding)

• Commitment on both sides
• Must enroll if admitted
• Cannot apply to other EDs
• Limited to 1 school

EA (Non-Binding)

• Early application deadline
• Earlier decision
• No commitment to enroll
• Can apply to other EA schools

Restrictive Early Action (REA)

• Non-binding, but restrictive
• Cannot apply ED elsewhere
• Sometimes cannot apply EA elsewhere
• Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford use REA

Should You Apply ED?

Yes, Consider ED If

• One school is clearly your top choice
• You've thoroughly researched the school
• Your family can afford the school (per Net Price Calculator)
• Your application is strongest now
• You're confident this is THE school

No, Skip ED If

• You're torn between multiple schools
• Financial aid must be compared
• Your application would benefit from later senior-year updates
• Your circumstances may change
• You want to maintain flexibility

Financial Considerations

Run Net Price Calculator

• Every ED school
• Plan for worst case
• Compare to in-state or public options

Family Discussion

• Can we afford this?
• What if aid is lower than expected?
• Can we appeal if needed?

If Admitted but Aid Insufficient

• Only reason to back out
• Contact financial aid office
• Request aid appeal
• Last resort: withdraw from ED (serious consequences)

Selecting Your ED School

Factors

• Strongest academic fit
• Best social fit
• Affordable
• Realistic admission probability (30%+)

Avoid

• ED-ing a school that's an enormous reach
• ED-ing a school without visiting
• ED-ing just because it has highest admit rate
• ED-ing without family discussion

ED Agreement

Components

• Student signature
• Parent signature
• Counselor signature

Timing

• Sign in October
• Submit with application November 1

Consequences of Breach

• Admission rescinded
• Other schools notified (sharing protocol)
• Reputation damage
• Difficult to enroll elsewhere

Application Strategy for ED

Stronger Application

• Do your best work
• Strong essays
• Compelling why-us
• Complete well ahead of deadline

Early Focus

• Concentrate on ED school
• Other applications secondary
• Submit ED before November 1 deadline

Know Your Numbers

• ED admit rates vs. regular
• Your specific profile comparison
• Realistic probability assessment

Some Ivy ED Stats (Approx)

• Brown: ~15% ED vs ~5% RD
• Columbia: ~15% ED vs ~4% RD
• Cornell: ~20% ED vs ~7% RD
• Dartmouth: ~20% ED vs ~6% RD
• Penn: ~15% ED vs ~6% RD
• Princeton: ~15% SCEA vs ~4% RD
• Stanford: ~16% SCEA vs ~3% RD
• Yale: ~11% SCEA vs ~4% RD

ED Boost Reality

• ED does boost chances
• Not a magic wand
• Still competitive
• Profile must fit

After Applying ED

Interview If Offered

• Take it
• Prepare thoroughly
• Show genuine interest

Continue Other Applications

• Non-binding early action (if permitted)
• Regular decision preparation
• Don't panic

Prepare Mentally

• Admission: joy
• Deferral: plan for RD with same school
• Denial: move on confidently

ED Decision Outcomes

Admitted

• Celebrate
• Begin other applications withdrawal
• Financial aid review
• Commit formally

Deferred

• Application moves to regular round
• Binding no longer
• Can apply elsewhere
• Review and improve application

Denied

• Application not accepted
• Free to pursue other schools
• No longer binding
• Move forward

ED II

Some schools offer Early Decision II:

• Binding, like ED I
• Applied later (typically January)
• Decision by February
• Alternative if not ready in November

Strategic Considerations

If You're a Strong Candidate

• ED can increase chances significantly
• Worth the commitment
• Consider your top choice

If You're a Marginal Candidate

• ED boost may be meaningful
• Strong commitment signal
• Consider if financial fit

If You're Likely to Get in RD

• ED not necessary
• Can maintain options
• Use strongest application for RD

International Students

• ED options vary
• Some don't have ED
• Consider visa timing
• Talk to admissions about flexibility