Hey guys, can someone please explain to me what exactly an Early Decision agreement is? I'm a high school junior considering my application options and if ED is the right choice for me. Thank you!
An Early Decision (ED) agreement is a binding contract between you and a college where you commit to attend that institution if they admit you. When you apply ED, you're letting the college know that they are your top choice and that you will withdraw applications to other schools should you be accepted. It's crucial to be completely sure about your choice because backing out of an ED agreement without a significant reason (like an insurmountable financial burden) can have consequences, such as schools communicating with each other, potentially affecting future admissions decisions. You can only apply to one college ED, and if accepted, the decision is binding, so choose wisely. For example, if you've visited the campus, done extensive research, and feel confident that the environment, programs, and community are a perfect match for you, then ED might be a good option.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.