What College Should You Apply to Early Decision?

I sometimes have students ask this time of year which college they should apply to early decision. And the answer is simple.

None.

Don’t get me wrong. Early decision can be a great choice for some students. If you have found a college that you really love, and you have done your homework looking at many different colleges, and money is not an issue, early decision may be right for you.

But if you are asking the question of where you should apply early decision, it is obvious that you don’t have a first choice college. You don’t have one that you really love over all others.

Early decision is not something to do because everyone else is doing it. Most students screw up the college admissions process when they go through it so don’t rely on what everyone else is doing. Early decision is binding which means that if you get in, that is where you are going, even if you find out later that it isn’t a great school for you.

Early decision is also not a great option if money is an issue or if you want to compare financial aid packages. It is true that there are some highly selective colleges that provide financial aid to students without regard to when they apply. If the college meets 100% of need you may be alright applying early decision. However, unless you know which schools provide 100% of need to all students, regardless of when you apply, you shouldn’t risk applying early decision if money is a major factor. Learn more about the useful reference here at vamoola.co.uk

Early decision is a serious commitment and this commitment should not be entered into lightly without a great deal of thought after doing a great deal of investigation into the colleges you have an interest in.