{"id":1555,"date":"2026-11-09T03:01:10","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T03:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.class101.com\/bloomingtonin\/?p=1555"},"modified":"2026-11-09T03:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T03:10:11","slug":"the-pros-and-cons-every-family-should-know-about-early-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.class101.com\/bloomingtonin\/2026\/11\/09\/the-pros-and-cons-every-family-should-know-about-early-decision\/","title":{"rendered":"The Pros and Cons Every Family Should Know About Early Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Early Decision can be the smartest move a senior makes, or the most expensive one. The difference comes down to one word: binding. With many Early Decision deadlines landing on November 1 or November 15, now is the moment for students and parents to understand exactly what they would be signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Class 101 is happy to walk through what Early Decision is, what applying Early Decision actually involves, and the honest pros and cons, so your family can decide with clear eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Early Decision?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Early Decision (ED) is a binding promise: if your student applies ED and is admitted, they agree to enroll at that college and withdraw every other application. In exchange, they apply early and usually hear back by mid-December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That \u201cbinding\u201d piece is what sets ED apart. Here is how it compares with the other application plans you will hear about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some colleges, such as Baylor University, now say “Binding Admission” and “Nonbinding Admission” instead of ED and EA. However, the meaning is the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What applying ED actually involves<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

ED is more than checking a box on the application. Here is what the commitment looks like, step by step:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Three signatures. The student, a parent or guardian, and the school counselor all sign an Early Decision Agreement. It is a formal understanding between your family, your high school, and the college, not just a student’s promise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. One ED school only. Your student can still apply Early Action or Regular Decision elsewhere while waiting, but can have just one ED application out at a time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. If admitted, act fast. Your student withdraws all other applications, sends no new ones, and pays a nonrefundable enrollment deposit. Admissions offices talk to each other and take ED commitments seriously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. If deferred, the application moves to the Regular Decision pool, and the binding agreement no longer applies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. If denied, your student is free to apply ED II elsewhere or continue with other applications.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The question we hear parents ask most: What if we don\u2019t get financial aid? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Most ED agreements say a student may ask to be released if the financial aid offer does not make attending possible. This is a narrow exit, not a way to shop around.<\/em> It is about genuine affordability, usually measured against the family’s demonstrated need, and it does not cover “we got a better scholarship somewhere else.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Each college words this differently, so it\u2019s important to read the specific school’s ED policy before signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The pros of Early Decision<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n