Students who feel certain that a college is the right fit for them—academically, socially, and financially—may opt to apply to college under a binding early decision (ED) agreement. Benefits of applying ED include having your application reviewed and finding out sooner and possibly increasing the odds of admission (click HERE for data on ED admit rates). Since applying ED is binding, it is important to fully understand the implications before submitting an application. In order to fully understand the concept of ED college admissions and to ensure that all aspects of the the application have been fully considered, read below for answers to commonly asked questions.
Common Questions about Applying ED
What is the difference between ED and EA?
The most important differences are that ED is binding and students may submit only ONE ED application. Students accepted to a college under an ED agreement are obligated to pay the deposit immediately and withdraw all other applications.
Why apply ED?
In many cases, the chances of acceptance increase, sometimes dramatically, although in compiling data for this blog, I noticed that ED rates, like regular admissions rates at the most selective institutions have dropped. Additionally, applying early means knowing where you will attend college sooner, sometimes as soon as six weeks following the ED deadline.
Why do some colleges have ED admissions?
While opinions differ, it is a fact that college rankings are impacted by yield (the percent of admitted students who attend): the higher the yield, the more positive for the institution. ED admissions allow colleges to accept students who are obligated to come, giving them maximum control over yield. Two ED admission dates permit colleges to consider obligated students at about the same time as students in the regular admissions pool and provide another opportunity for a yield bump. Finally, ED acceptances give colleges valuable information for planning and budget purposes before May 1, National College Decision Day.
Why do some students elect to apply ED?
Some students know where they want to go no matter what (i.e., they have found a college that they feel confident is the right academic, social, and financial fit). In that instance, applying ED can provide a statistical advantage to strong applicants. Athletes hoping to make a team may apply ED to secure a coveted spot on a team.
Why apply ED II?
The later ED II deadline allows students the opportunity to provide additional data such as a later SAT or ACT score, recent grades, and gives them more time to figure out the financial picture prior to making a commitment. Additionally, students can strategically use ED II if their ED I preference didn’t work out.
How do I know if ED is right for me?
Which college to attend and why are complex questions. It is recommended that you meet with a college counselor (e.g., high school guidance counselor or an independent college counselor) to discuss the best course of action based on individual student factors and fit.
How do I learn about what cost of attendance will be before applying binding ED?
The best way to learn about how much it will cost you to attend a particular college is to use the college’s Net Price Calculator. Colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their websites. They are sometimes difficult to locate; the easiest way to find is to Google “Name of College net price calculator” (e.g., “Stanford Net Price Calculator”).
How do I know which colleges offer binding ED admissions?
Click HERE for a list of colleges that offer ED I and ED II college admissions opportunities or visit college websites.
For more information on ED admissions and anything else related to the college application process, feel free to drop me a line at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com
0 Comments