Early Decision

To apply early, or not to apply early? Hundreds of colleges offer early decision admissions plans, which allow applicants to apply early (deadlines for early decision are usually in early November; regular applications are usually due around January 1) and get a decision by early January.

The Pros

Research shows that your chances of being accepted at some colleges are better if you apply for early decision. It makes sense—if accepted, the student enters into a binding agreement, thus eliminating any uncertainty on the school's part that the student will enroll. (And colleges tend to look favorably on a student who makes them their first choice!) This binding system was intended for students who were absolutely, 100 percent certain that they wanted to attend a particular school.

The Cons

But critics of the early decision process aren’t so sure it’s a great idea for everyone. Many people—high school counselors, teachers, even admissions personnel—feel that the system puts too much pressure on students too soon. Students might feel compelled to apply early, even if they have not researched all of their options. Thus, they can end up bound to attend a college that really isn't the best fit for them.

Another criticism is that the process limits socioeconomic diversity in the student body. When you are accepted under the early decision system, you receive only one offer of financial aid. If that offer is unacceptable to you, you can then (and only then) decline the offer of admission. But if you choose to accept, you are effectively cutting off the chance of getting a better package from another school. That can be a huge disadvantage—one of the hidden benefits of applying for financial aid at a variety of schools allows you to play one offer over another.

A Compromise-Try Early Action

If you're a committment-phobe and aren't 100% positive that you can bind yourself to that one and only school, there is a compromise that might be right for you. You can replace the early decision programs at most schools with Early Action. In place at many top schools already, including Harvard, Boston College, Georgetown, and MIT, early action allows students to apply early, but doesn't bind students to the school if they're offered admission. Instead, students can wait to see where else they're accepted, compare financial aid offers, and make their decision in the spring.