The Common Application is a standardized application form used by over 800 colleges and universities in the United States and internationally. One of the options on the form is Early Decision, which allows students to apply to their top-choice school early in the admissions cycle and receive a decision sooner than regular decision applicants.
To apply Early Decision, students must sign an Early Decision Agreement, which is a binding contract between the student, their parent or guardian, and the college or university. The Early Decision Agreement requires the student to attend the school if they are accepted, and to withdraw applications from all other colleges if admitted under Early Decision.
In 2019, the Common App released a new Early Decision Agreement in PDF format, which is available on their website and can be downloaded by students and their families. The document includes important information about Early Decision, such as the deadlines for submitting the application and the agreement, as well as the consequences of breaking the agreement.
It is important for students and their families to carefully review and understand the Early Decision Agreement before signing it. Once the agreement is signed, it is legally binding and cannot be changed or broken without consequences.
Some students may be hesitant to apply Early Decision because of the binding nature of the agreement. However, for students who are sure about their top-choice school and are willing to commit to attending if accepted, Early Decision can be a great option.
Applying Early Decision can increase a student`s chances of being admitted, as schools often fill a significant portion of their incoming class through Early Decision. Additionally, Early Decision can give students a sense of relief and certainty earlier in the admissions process, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
In conclusion, the Common App Early Decision Agreement is an important document for students and their families to review and understand before applying Early Decision. By carefully considering their options and making an informed decision, students can increase their chances of being admitted to their top-choice school and make the college admissions process smoother and less stressful.