As a high school senior, you`re probably aware of the college application process. As you begin to think about where you want to go to college, you may have heard of an early decision contract. This is an agreement between you and a college or university that can slightly alter the traditional application process. In this article, we`ll delve into what an early decision contract is, how it works, and its pros and cons.
What is an early decision contract?
An early decision contract is an agreement you make with a college or university to attend if you`re accepted. This contract requires you to apply early to the school, typically in the fall of your senior year of high school, and if accepted, you`re obligated to attend that institution. Essentially, it`s a binding contract. In exchange for committing to that school early, you receive a decision sooner than the traditional admissions process. Oftentimes, early decision admissions will offer priority consideration for financial aid awards.
How does it work?
When you apply for early decision, you`re submitting a binding agreement stating that you`ll attend the college or university if accepted. Once you submit the early decision application, you are no longer allowed to apply early to other institutions. Early decision contracts usually have a deadline that is earlier than the traditional admissions` deadline. In most cases, you`ll know whether you`re accepted by the time winter break rolls around. If the school accepts you, you`ll need to withdraw your applications from other schools and commit to enroll.
Pros of early decision contracts
- A quicker decision: If you`re eager to find out what colleges you`ve been accepted to, early decision contracts can help you receive a response sooner.
- A higher chance of acceptance: Similar to early action, early decision contracts can increase your chances of getting accepted to your dream school. The acceptance rate of early decision is typically higher than the regular decision acceptance rate.
- Priority consideration for financial aid: Because early decision applicants are committing to the school if accepted, the institution is more likely to offer priority consideration for financial aid.
Cons of early decision contracts
- You`re obligated to attend: The biggest disadvantage of early decision contracts is the binding agreement. If you`re accepted, you`re required to attend the institution.
- You can`t compare offers: Early decision contracts don`t allow you to compare financial aid packages from multiple schools.
- You can`t apply early anywhere else: The binding agreement restricts you from applying to any other schools under early action or early decision.
In conclusion, early decision contracts are a way to speed up the admissions process and increase your chances of acceptance to your desired college or university. However, it`s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Remember, early decision contracts are binding agreements, and once you commit, you`re obligated to attend that institution. If you`re considering early decision as an option, make sure to research the school thoroughly and weigh the advantages and disadvantages with your family and college counselor.
