Applying for college comes with an assortment of feelings. Many students feel anxious, as college brings change and independence, which is quite the adjustment since seniors have been cycling through the same routine for the past 18 years. Others feel intrigued; a new chapter of life is near and opportunities are endless. Because of the drastic life changes that college brings, deciding where to go can be difficult for many students. Early decision allows students to apply to a variety of schools, as well as find out their admission status earlier than regular decision. Also, applications of those applying Early Decision are the most prioritized. Knowing their status allows more time to contemplate this major decision.
Early Decision is a selective college admission process in which future students are accepted into an undergraduate program. Normally, whichever college is being applied to through early action is the student’s number one choice. Applications for early decision are normally submitted by seniors in high school around the end of October. The decision is then received around the middle of December. Early decision is binding, meaning that all other applications to other schools must be discarded.
Keshav Wagle, a senior, was just accepted to Rice University through early decision. “Early decision is a great way to have a better chance at your top school, as it is a binding decision. It’s also really great because I’m going to my dream school, and I don’t have to worry about applications for the rest of the year,” he says.
Everyone is different. Applying early is comforting for some people and stressful for others. If applying to your dream school and wanting results back as soon as possible, early decision is the way to go!
