Early Decision Is Almost Here. Are You Ready for What Comes Next?
Early Decision season feels exciting and stressful at the same time. You’ve spent months researching colleges, writing essays, and trying to keep your grades steady. Now the first big answers are about to arrive.
Before results land, it helps to understand how Early Decision fits into the larger application process and what you should do in the days before and after notifications.
How Early Decision Differs From Other Plans
Early Decision (ED)
Binding. If you’re admitted, you agree to enroll and withdraw all other applications.
Example: Maya applies ED to her top choice. When she gets in, she emails the rest of the colleges on her list, withdraws her other applications, and her counselor stops sending documents.
Early Action (EA)
Nonbinding. You apply early, but you can wait until spring to decide.
Example: Jordan applies EA to a few public universities. He gets some answers in December but waits until he has all offers before choosing.
Restrictive Early Action (REA)
Nonbinding but limited. You apply early to one private university that restricts you from applying early elsewhere. If admitted, you still don’t have to commit.
Example: Aisha applies REA to a highly selective private university. She can still apply early to public universities but not to other private schools with early plans.
Regular Decision (RD)
Later deadline, more time to work on essays, and all decisions come in the spring, around March or April.
Example: Lucas uses December to improve his main essay and finishes the bulk of his RD applications during winter break.
How To Prepare While You Wait
Keep going on your Regular Decision applications.
For many students, ED results arrive from mid-December to around the beginning of February. If you stop now, you may face a heavy scramble. Set small goals, like finishing one short answer each night.Stay steady with classes and activities.
A strong fall can help you if you are deferred. For example, a bump from a B to an A in math or a new leadership role in a club gives you something concrete to report.Check your application portals regularly.
Make sure transcripts, test scores, and recommendations have arrived. Missing items slow things down.Talk through financial expectations with your family.
If you are admitted ED, you need to be ready to review the financial aid offer and ask questions quickly.
What To Do When Results Arrive
If You’re Accepted
Congratulations! Celebrate with the people who supported you! Then take care of the required steps.
Confirm your spot and submit any deposits.
Withdraw all other applications, including those you have not submitted yet. This is essential for international students because counselors often send many sets of documents across different systems. Let your counselor know right away so they can stop future submissions.
Check that your financial aid forms are complete.
After that, take a breath. You reached a major milestone. Give yourself a pat on the back!
If You’re Deferred
The college wants to review you again in the Regular Decision pool.
Send midyear grades when your school issues them.
If the college allows an update letter, keep it short and specific.
Example: “I earned an A in physics this semester, placed second at the regional debate tournament, and added two volunteer shifts at the community library.”Keep polishing your Regular Decision applications.
If You’re Rejected
It stings, especially when you cared deeply about the school.
Give yourself a little time to feel disappointed.
Shift focus to your remaining colleges.
Make sure your Regular Decision applications show your best work.
Talk with your counselor if you want to adjust your list.
Many students end up happiest at a place they did not originally expect.
A Reminder for International Students and Counselors
If a student is admitted Early Decision, all other applications must be withdrawn. This includes applications to universities in different countries that may have no connection to each other. Clear communication with your counselor helps prevent duplicate work and mixed messages.