Early Decision can be one of the most powerful tools in the college admissions process, but it isn’t the right fit for every student. With the November 1 deadline approaching, we sat down with Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Shelley Kierman to talk about the benefits, misconceptions, and what families should consider before making this important choice.

Katerina: In your experience, what types of students are a good fit for Early Decision, and when might it not be the best choice?

Shelley: Early Decision is really for students who know what they want. They’ve researched, visited the school, and can truly see themselves there for four years. It’s the strongest way to show a college you’re serious, because if you’re admitted, you’re committed to attend.

To submit an Early Decision application, the student, parent, and college counselor all sign a contract agreeing to attend if admitted and to withdraw applications from other colleges. 

But Early Decision isn’t for everyone. Many students want to keep their options open, and that’s perfectly normal at age 17. Families who want to consider an in-state option through the UC or Cal State systems, or who are relying heavily on financial aid, may also want to avoid Early Decision, since you’re committing no matter what the aid package looks like. In those cases, it may not be the best fit. Lean on your college counselor for help and support with this decision!

Katerina: What are some common misconceptions about Early Decision?

Shelley: The biggest one is that it’s “easy.” While applying Early Decision can increase your chances, it doesn’t guarantee admission. Highly selective schools are competitive no matter what round. What’s true is that colleges want to fill a significant portion of their freshman class through Early Decision, sometimes close to 50%. So applying Early Decision can be strategic, but students still need to be very strong applicants.

Katerina: How does applying Early Decision affect a student’s chances of admission compared to Regular Decision?

Shelley: The difference can be dramatic. At some colleges, the admit rate might be around 25% for Early Decision compared to just 10% for Regular Decision. The criteria don’t really change, but you’re competing in a smaller pool, and colleges know that if they admit you, you’re coming. That’s powerful for them as they build their class.

Katerina: Can you explain the difference between Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Early Action?

Shelley: Early Decision I applications are typically due November 1, with decisions released in December. Students may be admitted, denied, or deferred to the Regular Decision pool. If a student isn’t admitted and has a second-choice school that offers Early Decision II, they can apply there by the January 1 deadline. Early Decision II provides another chance to show commitment to a different school.

Early Action, on the other hand, is non-binding. You apply by November 1, but you’re not obligated to attend if admitted. We encourage all students to have an Early Application Plan that includes applying Early Action to schools on their list so that, ideally, they receive good news by winter break.

Katerina: What important factors should families consider before committing to Early Decision?

Shelley: Fit is number one, and that includes the financial fit for the family. Families need to be prepared for the possibility that the aid package won’t meet all of their needs, yet the commitment still holds. Beyond that, it’s about the student being ready to commit themselves emotionally, financially, and logistically. Students also need to be comfortable withdrawing all of their other applications the moment they’re admitted to Early Decision, which is a big step.

Katerina: How do you see Early Decision impacting students emotionally?

Shelley: It’s a double-edged sword. For some, Early Decision provides amazing clarity. They know where they’re headed by December, and that relief carries them through the rest of senior year. For others, being denied can feel like grief. It’s a real loss, and we encourage students to give themselves time to process while also helping them prepare the remainder of their applications to submit.

But we also remind them: there are always other schools where they can thrive. Early Decision can be wonderful, but it’s not the only path and there isn’t only one school for each student.

Katerina: With the November 1 deadline approaching, what’s your biggest piece of advice for students still deciding if Early Decision is right for them?

Shelley: Visit the school. You can’t commit to four years somewhere you’ve never seen. And if it doesn’t feel natural, don’t force it. If you do know your Early Decision choice, start focusing now on your supplemental essays as those matter tremendously. Share drafts with your counselor, and don’t wait until the last minute. We are here to support our students in reaching their goals and guiding them through their entire application process. Lean on us and our expertise!