Early Decision Explained
This fall Drexel launched a new application option for students: Early Decision.
We can tell applicants are taking notice because we’ve been receiving lots of questions about Early Decision, so let’s take a moment to outline what Early Decision is, the benefits it offers, and how it compares to regular decision.
The Basics
As the name implies, Early Decision means you apply early — submitting all required materials by November 15 — and you get your admission decision early — by mid-December, considerably earlier than regular decision (March 28).
Extended Deadline for Students Affected By Hurricane Sandy
If you're finding it difficult to apply by November 15 because you've been affected by Hurricane Sandy, don't worry. We've extended the deadline for students affected by the hurricane to December 7. If this applies to you and we receive your complete Early Decision application by December 7, you'll receive an admissions decision by mid-January 2013.
The Really Important Details
Early Decision is for freshman applicants who are certain that Drexel is their first-choice college and are ready to make a commitment. The “ready to make a commitment” part is really important because Early Decision admission is binding. Binding means that if you are accepted you must attend Drexel. (This is different from early action. Drexel does not offer an early action option.)
Because Early Decision admission is binding, you may only apply for early admission at one school — your first-choice college. You may still apply for regular admission at other colleges, but if you are accepted Early Decision at Drexel you must withdraw your applications from other schools.
Early Decision applicants will receive an admission decision in mid-December. If you’re accepted, you must submit your deposit to enroll by January 15.
There are additional application requirements if you apply Early Decision, including: a contract signed by you, your parent or guardian, and a guidance counselor; the CSS profile, which is a financial aid document available through the College Board; and, of course, you must still file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after it becomes available January 1.
Through the CSS profile, Drexel will be able to review your financial information and will work to ensure that if you’re admitted Early Decision you receive a financial aid package that makes Drexel affordable. Students who apply for Early Decision are eligible for the same types of financial assistance available to regular decision applicants, and financial aid offers are similar. If you are accepted through Early Decision, you will receive a financial aid award letter with your acceptance materials.
All majors and programs are eligible to apply through the Early Decision option with the exception of the BA/BS/MD and BS/MS Psychology accelerated degree programs. All other accelerated degree programs are eligible.
Possible Outcomes
Some students will be accepted, and it's likely that some will be denied. If you’re accepted, your college application stress is over before the new year. There’s also the possibility that applicants will be deferred to the regular decision applicant pool. Those applicants will receive admission decisions by March 28. Students who are deferred have the same chance of acceptance as if they had originally applied regular decision. This way, Drexel can still be your first choice.
How to Apply
Want to apply for Early Decision? Get to it! The deadline is November 15.
Want to apply regular decision before November 15? Go ahead! If you’re not ready to commit to Early Decision but you’re ready to apply to Drexel, you can apply regular decision now.
October 31, 2012
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