The Thunder Bolt

As we enter the middle of Fall semester every year, a significant date looms large for many of our Grade 12 students and their families: November 1st. This isn't just the start of a new month; it's the deadline for Early Decision (ED) applications to many universities in the United States.

For those new to the US university application landscape, or even for seasoned veterans, the options can sometimes feel confusing. "Early Decision," "Early Action," "Restrictive Early Action," "Regular Decision" – it’s hard to understand them all! Today, we’re going to focus on Early Decision, a topic that often generates a lot of questions and, understandably, a fair bit of anxiety. Our goal is to demystify ED, explain what it means for colleges and for our students, and highlight how our dedicated High School Counselors are here to guide you every step of the way.

What Exactly is Early Decision?

Imagine finding your absolute dream university – the one that perfectly aligns with your academic interests, your social preferences, and your future aspirations. You’ve pictured yourself walking through its campus, engaging with its professors, and thriving in its unique environment. Early Decision is a way to tell that university, "You are my undeniable first choice."

Here's the crucial distinction: Early Decision is a binding commitment. If you apply ED to a university and are accepted, you are contractually obligated to withdraw all other applications right away, and enroll at your ED institution. This means you’re essentially saying, "If you accept me, I'm coming!"

ED applications are due much earlier than regular decision applications, typically on November 1st. In return for this early commitment, students usually receive their admission decision earlier, too – usually in mid-December. The admit rate for Early decision applicants is usually significantly higher than the admit rate for regular decision applicants; this is often a motivating factor in student choice to apply via ED. Additionally, for students in need of financial aid, the chances of being admitted and offered financial aid is typically higher for those applying via Early Decision. The early notification of admission can also be a huge relief, allowing students to finalize their plans and enjoy the rest of their senior year without the prolonged stress of waiting for multiple decisions.

There is also an Early Decision II round which happens later, with application deadlines typically in early January, and admission decision notification released typically sometime between January 31st and February 15th. Early Decision and Early Decision II (ED II) are both binding application plans The main difference lies in timing: Early Decision I typically has a November deadline with admissions decisions released in December, while Early Decision II has a later deadline, usually in January, with decisions released in February. 

ED I is often chosen by students who have a clear first-choice school early in the process. ED II allows students who are not admitted to their ED I school another opportunity to improve their chances of being admitted and/or funded through a second round of the ED process (ED II). ED II also gives students more time to strengthen their applications (for example, by submitting improved grades or test scores from the first semester) or to finalize their college preferences. Both rounds carry the same level of commitment once accepted, but ED II provides a second chance for applicants who were not ready to submit an ED application, or were not admitted in ED.

It is important to note that some colleges and universities offer ED, and some do not. Some offer only ED, but not ED II, and some offer both ED and ED II options. 

In the last four years, approximately 75% of Concordia students who applied to the United States as their top destination, submitted an ED application, and over 50% identified an ED II application plan as well. Some students were admitted to their ED university, and subsequently did not need to submit their ED II application. Because Concordia offers counselor-led, grade level Seminar classes for all four years of high school, and an annual, in-depth Happiness Engineering Meeting with each student and their parents, Concordia students are better prepared than other students to take advantage of the ED process.  

How Do Colleges and Universities Use Early Decision?

From a university's perspective, Early Decision is a powerful tool. It allows them to:

1. Secure Top Students: Universities know that students applying ED are highly motivated and genuinely interested. This helps them attract and "lock in" a significant portion of their incoming class, often comprising some of their strongest applicants.
2. Increase "Yield": Yield refers to the percentage of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Because ED is binding, accepted ED applicants have a 100% yield rate, which positively impacts a university's overall enrollment statistics and can influence their rankings.
3. Shape the Class: By admitting a portion of their class early, universities gain a clearer picture of their incoming cohort, allowing them to be more strategic with their Regular Decision admissions to build a diverse and well-rounded class.
4. Demonstrate "Demonstrated Interest": For universities that track "demonstrated interest" (how much a student has engaged with the institution), applying ED is the ultimate expression of interest.

It's also worth noting that, statistically, acceptance rates are typically higher for Early Decision applicants compared to Regular Decision, and in some instances, dramatically higher. Applying ED does not guarantee admission, but it usually significantly improves the opportunity to be admitted. The ED pool tends to be strong, and so self-selecting students who are genuinely a good fit for the institution and have thoroughly researched their options are well-suited for ED.

Who Should Consider Applying Early Decision?

Given the binding nature of Early Decision, it's not for everyone. Here’s who should seriously consider it:

1. Students with a Clear First Choice: This is paramount. If there's one university that stands head and shoulders above all others, and you would be genuinely thrilled and committed to attending if accepted, then ED might be for you. You should have visited the campus (virtually or in person), researched its programs extensively, and feel a strong connection.
2. Academically Strong Applicants: While ED does typically offer a statistical advantage, it's not a magic bullet for under-qualified students. Your grades, test scores (if submitted), extracurriculars, and essays should align well with the university's profile of admitted students, and your counselor is the best person to work with to receive accurate feedback regarding the use of ED and ED II at a particular institution.
3. International Students Seeking Financial Aid: It is important to note that universities typically allow students to be released from their ED commitment if the financial aid offered by the institution does not align with the amount indicated on the CSS profile, which details the amount that the family is able to pay for university. International students who apply via ED, are typically more likely to receive financial aid than those who apply via Regular Decision. However, the student and family's financial needs should be discussed thoroughly with the student’s counselor before submitting an ED application. Our counselors will help you understand each university's specific policies.
4. Students Ready to Finalize Their Decision Early: Applying ED means you are ready to make a significant life decision to matriculate to your chosen ED university, and spend the next four years of your life there. If you prefer to keep your options open, compare multiple offers, or wait to see your senior year grades, then Regular Decision or Early Action might be a better fit, but there are a lot of factors to consider in that decision making process and it is advised to process this decision with your counselor before deciding.

When ED may NOT be the Right Choice:

• If you have several "top choice" universities and can't definitively pick just one.
• If you are primarily applying ED just to try and "get in" to a more selective school without a genuine, strong preference for it, and the support of your counselor that the institution is a good fit for you.
• If you need to compare financial aid offers from multiple institutions to make your decision, because you are considering “return on investment” as a factor in your decision making process
• If you think you still need time to strengthen your application (e.g., improve grades, retake standardized tests).

How Our High School Counselors Guide Students Through the ED Process

This is where our expert High School Counselors shine! They are intimately familiar with the nuances of US university admissions and provide invaluable support throughout the entire application journey, especially for Early Decision.

Here’s how they mentor and guide our students:

1. Individualized Counseling Sessions: From Grade 9 onwards, counselors work individually with students to explore their interests, academic strengths, and post-secondary aspirations. This long-term relationship helps them understand each student's unique profile.
2. The "Fit" Conversation: Before any application is submitted, counselors have engaged with students and families in a thorough, multi-year process that involves deep discussions about university fit – including a variety of academic, social, personal, political, religious, geographic, and financial considerations. For ED, this conversation is even more critical, ensuring the student's first choice truly is the best choice. They encourage students to research programs, faculty, campus culture, and alumni networks.
3. Application Strategy Development: Counselors help students develop a comprehensive application strategy. For those considering ED, they discuss the pros and cons, assess the student's competitiveness, and ensure they understand the binding commitment. They will help identify if an ED application truly aligns with the student's overall goals and profile.
4. Essay Brainstorming and Review: Submitting compelling essays is often a vital part of the application process. Counselors provide detailed guidance on essay topics, help students brainstorm ideas that highlight their authentic voice and experiences, and offer constructive feedback through multiple drafts. They ensure the essays effectively articulate why a particular university is the student's first choice.
5. Transcript and Recommendation Letter Management: Counselors ensure that transcripts are accurate and sent on time. They also work closely with teachers to facilitate strong, insightful recommendation letters that truly capture a student's character and contributions, and write the important counselor letter of recommendation in support of the student’s application
6. Financial Aid Navigation: For families considering financial aid, counselors explain the various forms (FAFSA, CSS Profile), assist with understanding university-specific aid policies, and help families navigate the complexities of applying for assistance. They emphasize the importance of understanding a university's financial aid generosity before making an ED commitment. Counselors are also knowledgeable respect to which specific institutions offer financial aid, if they offer financial aid to international students, the percentage of students at each institution that receive financial aid, the amount of the average award offered, and if the institution offers a better opportunity for the student to be funded if they apply via ED. 
7. Ethical Considerations and Support: Our counselors reinforce the ethical commitment involved in Early Decision. They ensure students understand that if accepted, they must withdraw other applications. Additionally, Concordia will not submit a final transcript to other institutions, once a student has been admitted via ED, provided there is no discrepancy in the ability to pay the required fees. Should a student be deferred or denied ED, counselors are also there to provide emotional support.

Looking Ahead

Applying to university is an exciting, albeit sometimes daunting, process. Early Decision can be a fantastic pathway for students. However, it requires careful consideration, a thorough understanding of the commitment involved, and in-depth discussions with the student’s counselor and parents.

We encourage all parents and students to openly communicate with our High School Counselors. They are your primary resource and are knowledgeable about this process and dedicated to helping each student make informed decisions that lead to a fulfilling and successful university experience. Whether applying via Early Decision is the right path or not, rest assured that our high school counseling team is here to support, advise, and guide your child towards the next exciting chapter of their academic journey.

To better understand the different application pathways to U.S. universities, please see the table below:
 

Plan	Binding?	Deadline (Typical)	Decision Release	Key Features
Early Decision (ED I)	✅ Yes	Early November	Mid-December	Binding; for students with a clear first choice.
Early Decision II (ED II)	✅ Yes	Early January	February	Binding; later option for students who decide after ED I.
Early Action (EA)	❌ No	Early November	Mid-December	Non-binding; apply early and receive an early response, but can still compare offers before committing.
Restricted Early Action (REA)	❌ No	Early November	Mid-December	Non-binding; limits applying early to other private schools, lets you compare offers later.
Regular Decision (RD)	❌ No	January	March - April	Non-binding; allows comparison of offers.
Rolling Admission	❌ No	Varies (Fall - Spring)	Ongoing	Non-binding; reviewed as applications arrive, earlier submission = earlier decision.