When Does Early Decision Come Out?

Senior year of high school is like crunch time for future collegiates. Not only are you caught between senioritis and staying focused, you suddenly enter the very competitive world of college admissions, especially if you're applying early decision. Options like early decision applying represents an opportunity to get a head start in the admissions process which has become increasingly popular among most applicants. But with early decision comes a lot of anticipation and questions, particularly: When does early decision come out?

When I was applying for graduate school, a key advantage I took serious was timing. I was sure I wanted to go to a particular school, so I made sure to prioritize the time I had between choosing my school and making sure I had everything I needed for the usual deadlines. And, dare I say, it worked! I used the time I had to put me ahead of the game and took out a lot of the pressure at the same time.

However, I didn't know how important timing was during the admissions process--and that's not limited for graduate school. If I had known the things I know now about early decision and the admissions process as a whole for my undergraduate, I would've done things differently. Luckily for you, I made the mistakes for you! I am here to pass down everything I know about early decision applying and notification dates!

In this article, we break down the specificities about early decision like:

• What is early decision;
• When to expect early decision notification dates;
• How to prepare for early decision,

And more! I will even explore alternatives to early decision, incase you miss or are unprepared at first. When it comes to early decision applying, it's important to know how they differ from other admissions plans, and how to prepare for your results. Understanding the timing can help admitted students take control of the admissions process and set themselves up for academic success.

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What is Early Decision?

Early Decision (ED) is a binding college application plan students agree to when applying to their top-choice colleges by a set early deadline.

There are two specific times for early decision:

• Early decision I typically lands in mid to late December
• Early decision II is typically in mid-February

If a student is accepted to their top-choice college, they must commit to attending that school. This is considered an early decision commitment. This agreement allows applicants to receive a final admissions decision much sooner than the traditional admissions decision timeline.

Also, if accepted, the student must withdraw all applications to other schools. If denied admission or deferred, the student is free to apply elsewhere through regular decision.

If you're a student who is confident that a specific school is your first choice college, early decision applying is a solid choice for you. The binding nature of ED is known to improve admission chances, as colleges appreciate demonstrated interest in their school, so it's something to truly consider.

However, it's important to notice that the ED binding contract limits a student’s ability to compare offerings like financial aid offers from multiple institutions, which can be a make-or-break for those relying on need‑based financial aid. If you're applying ED, you must accept the financial aid awarded but the school without negotiation against competing offers.

It’s worth noting that most schools offering ED also participate in Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision plans. Let's talk about it.

Early Decision vs Early Action

When comparing decision and early action, it’s critical to understand that Early Decision is binding commitment, while Early Action (EA) is non‑binding. Both routes allow early submissions and earlier notices, but differ sharply in obligations and strategy.

Restrictive early action (REA) plans are halfway: they're non‑binding but restrict applicants from applying Early Action or ED elsewhere.

In short:

• Early Action allows students to apply early and hear back sooner—but without the binding commitment of ED.
• Early Decision remains the most direct path to gain acceptance.

Round 2 Early Decision

Early Decision II (or round 2 early decision) is a second ED opportunity that many colleges offer students. This timeline benefits students who:

• Became interested in a college later in senior year,
• Improved test scores (i.e., SAT/ACT),
• Was not ready for ED I.

Here are some key components you need to know about ED II:

• Deadline: Typically early to mid January.
• Notification timeline: Around mid-February, sometimes early March.
• Binding commitment: like ED I, if accepted, students must enroll and withdraw applications elsewhere.
• Student pool: Generally smaller than ED I, which can improve acceptance odds.

For students looking for another chance to apply ED, ED II is a strong alternative and with the same contractual stipulations.

Notifying Students

Applying early decision comes with its nerves, but knowing how decisions are communicated can relieve some of the pressure. Here's how students get notified:

1. Online portal — Schools most commonly post decisions in the applicant portal and send notification emails to check the result.
2. Email — Many colleges alert students directly with accept/deny decisions or indicate that the decision is ready to be viewed online.

Notification Timing:

• ED I results usually arrive mid‑December (around Dec 15–20).
• ED II notifications typically come in mid‑February or late February/early March, depending on the institution.

These decision timelines are faster than regular decision giving students a clearer end to the admissions process.

Early Decision Notification Dates

Below are the Early Decision notification dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Specifics About ED Notification Dates:

• Early action notification dates are less regimented, often ranging from late December to mid January.
• Some schools send EA results in late December, while others wait until mid‑January.
• ED II choices typically come by mid-February, with final decision usually communicated by February 15 or shortly thereafter.

To ensure you’re on top of these key dates:

1. Use each ED college’s official admissions calendar.
2. Keep track of the two early decision deadlines, EA deadlines, and corresponding decision dates.
3. Factor in time needed to gather materials like test scores and financial aid forms.

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Preparing for Early Decision

Applying early decision can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Preparation is key for a successful ED application. Here's what to include in your preparation list:

1. Identify your ED fit and timeline: Decide whether you are applying ED I or early decision II. If you’re ready by early fall, ED I is ideal. If you're waiting to boost fall grades or test scores, ED II may be more strategic.
2. Plan test-taking early: Most ED I applicants submit SAT/ACT results by October or November. Those planning ED II may take exams in early January or December.
3. Request recommendations early: Ask teachers from junior-year and senior-year classes, as well as anyone who can vouch for your character.
4. Write focused essays: ED essays should fit with the college. Focus on aspirations and why it’s your first choice college.
5. Prepare financial aid documents: If you’ll need need-based financial aid, research FAFSA deadlines. ED applicants receive their financial aid award along with the decision once results are releases.
6. Stay on top of fall grades: Final transcripts from fall senior year are often required and weighed heavily in evaluation. Stay on top of any AP/Honors courses and monitor grades closely.
7. Submit early: Aim to finalize and submit applications a few weeks before both ED I and ED II deadlines to avoid potential delays or last-minute changes.

Recommended Reading: What is MLA Format for an Essay?

Maximizing Early Decision Admissions

If you're applying ED, there are ways to enhance your ED success. Consider these strategies:

1. Apply where you're a strong fit:Choose schools that not only supports your academic profile, academic success and personal aspirations, as well. This leads to better admission chances.
2. Show real commitment:Visit your top-choice school's campus, attend their events, and don't hesitate to contact their faculty or reps. Colleges don't let genuine interest go unnoticed, especially for ED applicants.
3. Submit compelling application materials:ED applicants should submit impressive resumes, portfolios, and other materials needed that demonstrates their interests and successes. This includes, but is not limited to, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, academic accolades, updated transcripts, etc.
4. Financial aid:As college is an investment, ask questions about scholarships, grants and financial aid offers during official ED I or II notifications. Knowing what you’ll receive can affect your decision.

Please note: once accepted, results are binding. That is, once admitted, be ready to submit enrollment forms and deposit quickly.

Admissions Outcome Reminders:

• If accepted, notify your ED college immediately, enroll, and withdraw from other applications.
• If deferred, your ED application moves to Regular Decision, and you can still apply elsewhere.
• If rejected, proceed with your Regular Decision options.

Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Decision Dates

What is early decision?

Early Decision (ED) is a deadline-driven college application plan that offers early notification—typically December for ED I and mid-February for early decision II. It is a binding commitment, so if you're accepted early, you must to enroll and withdraw your application from any other schools. ED allows applicants to receive a final decision ahead of traditional deadlines, but also limits their ability to compare financial packages from other institutions once an admission is granted.

How do colleges notify early decision applicants of admissions decision?

Once the early decision deadlines have passed, colleges typically release ED results via online portals, acceptance, deferral, or denial emails, this is why it's important to keep alerts and notifications on. ED I notifications arrive mid‑December, with ED II decisions are typically communicated in mid‑February to early March.

How do I prepare for early decision?

Along with breathing and taking it one step at a time, a preparation check-list can keep you on track with how to manage your time. This list can help you decide between ED I or ED II, remind you to register for the SAT/ACT tests early, gather your recommendation letters and transcripts early and submit your application ahead of two early decision deadlines to avoid any unexpected issues.

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