What Is the Early Decision Agreement on the Common App

The Early Decision Agreement on the Common App is a binding agreement that is used by colleges and universities across the United States. It is an agreement that is made between the student and the college or university, and it is typically used for students who have identified a specific college or university as their top choice for higher education.

When a student applies to a college or university using the Common App, they have the option to apply under Early Decision. This option means that the student has identified that particular college or university as their top choice, and they are committing to attending that institution if they are accepted.

The Early Decision Agreement is a part of this process and requires the student to sign a document stating that they understand and agree to the terms of the agreement. The agreement is binding, and it means that the student is committed to attending the college or university if they are accepted.

There are several important things to understand about the Early Decision Agreement. First, it is important to note that Early Decision is a binding agreement. If a student is accepted to a college or university under Early Decision, they are required to attend that institution. If a student decides not to attend the institution after being accepted, they may face consequences such as losing their deposit or being barred from attending other institutions.

Second, it is important to note that Early Decision is a competitive process. Colleges and universities typically use an Early Decision process to identify students who are truly committed to attending their institution. Students who apply under Early Decision are typically evaluated more closely than students who apply under regular decision.

Finally, it is important to note that students who apply under Early Decision are typically required to withdraw their applications from other institutions. This means that students who apply under Early Decision should carefully consider which institution they want to attend and make sure that they are fully committed to that institution before applying.

In conclusion, the Early Decision Agreement on the Common App is an important part of the college application process. Students who are considering applying under Early Decision should carefully read and understand the terms of the agreement before submitting their application. By doing so, they can ensure that they are fully committed to attending their top choice institution and avoid any potential consequences that may arise from breaking the agreement.