What are EARLY DECISION and EARLY ACTION?
“Early Decision” is the process of applying to one school early in the fall — generally November 1. You will be notified by mid-December of the school’s decision, and you are legally obligated to attend the school. You will NOT apply to other schools if accepted “early decision.” Early decision is appropriate for the student who knows with CERTAINTY this is the ONLY school for him/her; who is academically qualified based on grades and classes through the junior year; who will not need first semester senior grades to improve chances; who is confident that funds will be there to pay for college, including any financial aid; and who has researched all aspects of the school, including having visited the campus. “Early Action” is similar to early decision in that you apply early, generally November 1, and you will receive the offer of admission generally in mid-December as well. Unlike early decision, though, you are not obligated to attend a college if you are accepted “early action”; you
