Do recruited athletes apply early decision?

Hello! I'm a high school junior and I've been talking to some college coaches lately. I was wondering, for recruited athletes, is it common to apply through Early Decision to their top-choice school? If any current or former athletes can share their experience with the process, that would be great!

Hi there! It's great to hear you're in touch with college coaches and considering your application strategy. Yes, it is quite common for recruited athletes to apply early decision (ED) to their top-choice school. This pathway can be beneficial for both the athlete and the college. For the athlete, applying ED often solidifies your commitment to the school and the coach's commitment to you. It removes the uncertainty of waiting for regular decision and allows you to focus on your final year of high school without the added stress of college admissions hanging over you.

From the college's perspective, having a recruited athlete apply ED helps them secure top talent early in the process and ensures they're building their team with athletes who are committed to their program. However, it's important to be 100% sure that the school is where you want to spend the next four years, as ED is a binding agreement — if you get accepted, you are expected to attend.

Just ensure that you're comfortable with the commitment you're making and that you've considered your options carefully. Best of luck with the process!