When Do Early Decisions Come Out?
What You Need to Know About General Dates and Responses
If you applied Early Decision, it means you found your best fit college, and know exactly what you want, need, and can afford. Early Decision application deadlines typically fall in early November, and you can expect school decisions to come out sometime in December. Exact dates vary by school, so be sure to check the school’s website or contact the admissions office.
When you chose to apply Early Decision, you hopefully had a full understanding of what doing so means. You and a parent signed an agreement promising that if you are accepted to that college you will attend. Before you applied, you should have completed the Net Price Calculator for that institution to see what your estimated Net Cost will be. You have to be able and willing to pay that net cost of attendance, which may be the full cost depending on your financial status, and that you will withdraw any other applications that you submitted. Even your guidance counselor is required to complete a form confirming your choice. You can only apply to one school Early Decision. (If you are unsuccessful, a handful of schools allow you to apply in a second round of Early Decision).
The Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions at Hamilton College, John T. McLaughlin, recently shared an email with prospective students that provided an overview of Early Decision at Hamilton. What we appreciated about this email was that it gives students permission to love multiple colleges on their list while explaining the possible outcomes of an Early Decision choice. While the email was written from the perspective of Hamilton admissions, the bones of it can be applied to any high school senior who has taken the leap to apply Early Decision. Inspired byMr. McLaughlin’s email, we wanted to share the potential Early Decision responses you may receive from the school.
Below are four typical Early Decision responses and what each response may mean for you
Admitted to the Fall Term
Congratulations! You’re in! This is the best-case scenario where you get to celebrate getting into your first-choice school. Just remember that your admission is contingent on maintaining your academic performance and good standing through the end of your senior year.
Admitted to a Summer or Spring Term
Some students are offered an alternate start, such as enrolling in a summer or spring term. If you hadn’t planned for this, don’t worry—most colleges will release you from the binding ED commitment, allowing you to compare other offers. When making your comparisons, consider how this could be a great opportunity to either get a head start or take a productive gap semester before starting college.
Deferred to Regular Decision
If you’re deferred, the college isn’t ready to make a final decision just yet. They see potential in you but want to evaluate your application alongside the Regular Decision pool. The good news is that being deferred releases you from the binding ED agreement, so you can consider other options while waiting for a final decision.
Denied Admission
This is the toughest part. Being denied is never easy, but remember that the decision isn’t personal. Colleges have limited spots and can’t admit every talented student. Most students denied ED will still go on to thrive and do incredible things at other schools.
As you count down the days until Early Decisions come out, be prepared for the variety of outcomes you may receive. Be sure to apply to other colleges that meet your needs and remember that most students will find a place to call home where they can thrive.
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
