When you’re getting ready to apply for college, you might have heard about the term, “Early Decision.”  While many students are confused on the issue, I wanted to set things straight on what you should know about it and how it can effect your application process.

What exactly is an early decision?

The name pretty much states it all.  This process is when a soon to be student applies for a college of his/her choice before the student year even starts.  What you’re going to find out is that you’re going to receive a response from a college before the start of the new year.

What should I know about this?

With the early decision process, you’re going to have to know the deadline for the college that you’re applying at.  Every college is going to be different.  Now, keep in mind that the early decision is going to be different than the actual admission deadline.  This is why its important that you know your deadline.

How can I find my deadline?

The best way to do this is either call up an admissions advisor, of if you don’t want to make the phone call, you can check the website, or do a search such as, “[college name] + early decision deadline.”  That search alone should yield the result 99% of the time.

What is so good about an early decision?

This is a great way to beat the rush, before a  majority of the other students apply at the same time.  The other thing that universities and colleges claim to do is that they will give you a guaranteed decision rate.  This basically means that they will tell you when they will give you a response by.  This is great for those that aren’t willing to wait as long.

Are there any rules in regards to this?

From what I have read, you will only be able to apply to only one college early.  After the early admissions period is over, you can apply to as many colleges as you wish.  If you do get accepted via an early decision, you will have to withdraw all your other offers.

Overall, you should only apply as an early decision ONLY if you know you’re going to attend this college 100%!  Don’t apply early if you’re having second thoughts, or you have other colleges on the table.  Only do this if you want to go to this college and want an early answer.