Countdown to Common App: Early Decision vs. Regular Decision

One of the first choices that the Fall 2015 Common Application is going to ask you to make is the choice between Early Decision and Regular Decision. Or, more specifically, the choice to apply to St. Mary’s College through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. While this choice might seem simple (especially compared to the rest of the application!) it is actually one of the most important decisions you will make during the application process.

Early Decision at St. Mary’s:

At St. Mary’s, our Early Decision application is binding. This means that if you are accepted Early, you are required to commit to St. Mary’s. We will ask you to pay a commitment deposit and also withdraw any applications from other colleges and universities.

Is Early Decision the same at every college?

Short answer, no. You need to find out a few things before deciding to apply Early at any school. Prepare to ask the following questions:

• Is Early Decision binding or non-binding?
• Do you have an Early Action option? (Early Action is usually a non-binding option where you send in your application prior to the deadline and get an admissions decision earlier than the rest of the application pool)
• When will I be notified of admission?
• Do I receive any merit packages with my Early admissions decision? (St. Mary’s sends merit awards with Early letters)

1. One of the first choices that the Fall 2015 Common Application is going to ask you to make is the choice between Early Decision and Regular Decision. Or, more specifically, the choice to apply to St. Mary’s College through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. While this choice might seem simple (especially compared to the rest of the application!) it is actually one of the most important decisions you will make during the application process.

   

   Early Decision at St. Mary’s:

   At St. Mary’s, our Early Decision application is binding. This means that if you are accepted Early, you are required to commit to St. Mary’s. We will ask you to pay a commitment deposit and also withdraw any applications from other colleges and universities.

   Is Early Decision the same at every college?

   Short answer, no. You need to find out a few things before deciding to apply Early at any school. Prepare to ask the following questions:

   • Is Early Decision binding or non-binding?
   • Do you have an Early Action option? (Early Action is usually a non-binding option where you send in your application prior to the deadline and get an admissions decision earlier than the rest of the application pool)
   • When will I be notified of admission?
   • Do I receive any merit packages with my Early admissions decision? (St. Mary’s sends merit awards with Early letters)

   Why apply Early Decision?

   

   Early Decision is a great option if you have a top-choice college or university. If you know that you will definitely go to _____ University if you get accepted, than Early Decision is the choice for you. Also, many colleges notify their Early applicants of their admission in the fall, so you can enjoy the rest of your senior year knowing where you are going to college. That way, when everyone else is freaking out in the spring, you can be cool and collected.

   St. Mary’s has Early Decision I and Early Decision II- what are the differences?

   Many colleges and universities also have multiple Early Decision options. This is to give you more time to make a choice- so if you visit ____ University in November and fall in love, you can still have the chance to apply Early. Also, at St. Mary’s (and many schools), if you are not accepted into the Early Decision I pool, your application gets the chance to be re-read in the Early Decision II pool. This gives you a greater chance at being accepted.

   I have a few colleges that I like equally- how should I apply?

   

   Regular Decision is the one for you! This option allows you to apply to as many colleges as you like. Then, come spring, you have several options to choose from. You can visit the schools and attend an Admitted Student Day program, which is usually designed to help you make a decision!

   How many students are choosing Early vs. Regular?

   

   At St. Mary’s, last year we admitted about 25% of our incoming class through Early Decision I and II. This means that a significant number of students are choosing to commit to SMCM in the fall of their senior year!

   Got it, now? If you’re unsure about a college’s application deadlines or application options, then call or email them!