When applying to colleges, does early decision mean you have to attend that college if accepted in all cases?

Question

Early decision applying to colleges

Answer 1

EARLY DECISION =Binding
Early decision (ED) programs are usually binding. 'Binding' means that the applicant promises from the start that they will attend the school if their application is accepted. It is not an obligation to be taken lightly, since schools honor one another's binding decisions. If you change your mind on an early decision obligation to one school, it is unlikely that another school will accept you (especially not a competative school). Students can seek release from an early decision obligation on the grounds of financial hardship, if the financial aid package they are offered is genuinely inadequate; however, the burden of proof in these cases is on the student. (By the way, an important drawback to early decision admissions is that they leave applicants with no leverage to negotiate a better financial aid package – the school knows you can't go anywhere else.)

Early decision applicants are expected to submit only one early decision application to one school. They can submit applications to other schools under normal application procedures, but agree that they will withdraw all those applications if they are accepted to the early decision school.

HOWEVER, If the program is called EARLY ACTION =Non Binding
Early admissions programs which do not ask applicants to commit to attending if they are accepted are generally known as Early action (EA) programs. In our view, these are a better deal for most applicants. They give students the benefits of early notification without the obligations of early decision. Even if accepted, students are free to apply to other schools and to compare financial aid offers. .

Answer 2

Usually early decision only means that you applied to the college earlier than most other students and they give you an their decision earlier. Some schools make you, your parents, and your counselor or principal sign a contract that says you may only apply to that school until a decision is made. If you are accepted you are not allowed to apply to any other school. If you aren't accepted you may apply to any other school and you are free of the contract. I haven't seen many schools with this policy, though.

Answer 3

It depends on the college. For many, if you apply early decision and are accepted, that means you are committed to attend. However, I just read that Harvard is getting rid of their early decision, effective Fall '07 (I think) and hoping that other colleges will follow along.

I would check with the school to which you plan to apply.

Answer 4

Yes. You should only apply early decision to 1 college where you want to go. This is a signal to a college that you are making them your number one choice. However, if you apply early decision, that means you will consider going to that college, but you need to make a decision on a quicker deadline then regularly appling students

Answer 5

Yes -- if you apply for early decision, you commit to attending if you are accepted.

Answer 6

Apply to both. It is always good to have a backup. You will always regret not applying to the school you really wanted to go to.

Answer 7

I don't think so.