Early Decision and Early Acceptance

Early Decision and Early Acceptance plans are two avenues that can get high school students into their top school. Applicants who apply earlier have a higher chance of being accepted to their chosen institution. Early applications can help students get into reach schools like Stanford University (CA), Boston College (MA)  and Yale University (CT) amongst other top institutions  in throughout the country.

Sounds pretty good, right?

Before starting your early application process make sure to consider the following:

There is a difference between Early Decision and Early Acceptance Plans
Early Decision applications are “binding,” meaning that if the applicant is accepted and offered enough of a financial aid package then they must attend that college. Potential students may only apply for one early decision college. On the other hand, Early Acceptance plans allow you to apply to more than one early action college. Early Acceptance applications are not binding, and students have the option to accept right away, accept in the spring, or decline the offer. If you opt to do the Early Decision plan, make sure that right school for you.

Do you want to compare admission and financial aid offers from several colleges?
In committing yourself to a College or University early you do not have the option to compare financial aid packages. If you receive more than one financial aid package offer, then you have the ability to leverage more aid from your preferred university. However, this sort of negotiation is best left to a Financial Aid Consultant.

Would you benefit from having another year of high school work to show colleges?
Not every school that does early acceptance or early decision is an Ivy league school. If you are on the cusp of getting into a better school by performing well during your senior of high school you may want to withhold on applying early.