Should You Commit Early? How to Decide on Early Decision
It’s the first week of August, and for many rising seniors, college application season is about to shift into full speed. School starts soon. Essay drafts are (hopefully) underway. And families are finalizing their college lists—often with one big question in mind: Should we apply Early Decision?
With most ED I deadlines just three months away (November 1 or 15), students aiming for top schools need to finalize test scores, polish essays, and confirm recommendations now, not in October. For juniors and even younger students, this is also the moment to understand what ED means—because the strongest applicants often begin building their profiles years in advance.
So, what exactly is Early Decision? In short, it’s a binding application plan: students apply to one school (in ED I, typically November, or ED II, usually January), and if accepted, they commit to attending. This is different from Regular Decision (RD), where students apply to multiple schools, hear back in the spring, and choose where to enroll.
We broke down these differences in detail in our earlier post, Understanding Your Options: A Quick Look at ED, RD, EA, REA, and ED II. Here, we’re focused on the bigger question: how do you know if ED is the right move for you this fall?
Why Early Decision Matters
If you already know your top-choice school—the one with the programs you're excited about, a community that feels like the right fit, and a campus you can picture yourself on—ED can be a powerful tool. Many colleges fill 40–60% of their incoming class through ED, valuing students who demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm for joining their community.
But while ED can significantly improve your odds, it isn’t automatically easier. The ED pool is filled with strong, prepared students who have spent months, even years, crafting compelling applications.
Why Readiness Matters More
Statistically, ED applicants are admitted at much higher rates than Regular Decision applicants. But that advantage isn’t just about applying early—it’s about what your application shows.
Colleges want more than strong resumes. They’re looking for measurable accomplishments—grades, test scores, and meaningful activities that reflect depth and commitment—woven into an authentic story built over time. As Ivy Link founder Adam Nguyen shared in a recent interview with ABC News, “Colleges are looking for authenticity—what students have done tied to their interests and talents—because they’re trying to predict future leaders. These accomplishments can’t be manufactured; they have to be cultivated over time.”
This is why ED rewards students who are prepared and intentional, not just those who hit submit early. It favors applicants who can demonstrate a clear pattern of growth and purpose, rather than a last-minute scramble.
Who Thrives in Early Decision
Students who do well in ED:
Know their top-choice school is the right fit.
Have a strong academic record and solid test scores by junior year.
Present a cohesive application where essays, activities, and academics reflect growth and purpose.
At Ivy Link, we help students build this readiness early—sometimes starting in middle school—so their applications reflect genuine strengths rather than last-minute effort. One student interested in public health, for example, spent two summers conducting research, tied it into a standout essay, and applied ED to her dream school. She was admitted—not by chance, but through alignment and strategy.
Is Early Decision Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Does this school genuinely fit your goals, learning style, and values?
Are you academically and emotionally ready to apply by early fall?
Have you and your family discussed the binding commitment?
If yes, ED could be the right move. If not, waiting for Regular Decision isn’t a setback—it’s also a strategy. With proper guidance and preparation, RD can still position you strongly.
If you’re looking for support, Ivy Link works one-on-one with students to help them clarify their goals, strengthen their applications, and decide whether Early Decision is the right step. Schedule a consultation with Ivy Link today!
