Can anyone provide information on BU's Early Decision process?

Hey everyone, I'm really interested in applying to Boston University through Early Decision. What should I expect during the Early Decision process and how does it differ from regular admissions? Thanks!

Hello! It's great to see that you're considering applying to Boston University (BU) through Early Decision (ED). Early Decision is a binding agreement, which means that if you are admitted, you are committed to attending BU and must withdraw all other college applications. Here's a general overview of the ED process at BU:

1. Deadlines: BU's Early Decision I (EDI) deadline is typically November 1st, with decisions released by mid-December. The Early Decision II (EDII) deadline is generally January 4th, with decisions released by mid-February. Keep in mind that you can only apply to one school through ED (either EDI or EDII).

2. Application components: The application components for ED are the same as for Regular Decision (RD). You'll need to submit the Common Application, BU's Writing Supplement, high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. BU is also test-optional, so submitting SAT/ACT scores is not required but can be helpful.

3. Financial Aid: If you're applying through Early Decision, be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile by the designated deadlines to be considered for financial aid. Since applying ED is a binding commitment, evaluate BU's financial aid policies and use their Net Price Calculator to estimate your potential financial aid package before applying.

4. Higher acceptance rate: Applying ED can increase your chances of admission, as BU tends to admit a higher percentage of students through ED compared to RD. This is because ED applicants demonstrate a strong commitment to attending BU. However, only apply ED if you are sure that BU is your top choice.

5. Early Decision Agreement: When applying ED, both you and your parents/guardians must sign the ED agreement within the application, indicating that you understand the binding nature of the decision.

In summary, the main differences between Early Decision and Regular Decision at BU are the application deadlines, the binding commitment for ED, and the generally higher acceptance rate for ED applicants. If BU is your top choice and you're prepared to make a binding commitment, applying through ED could give you an edge in the admissions process. Good luck!