51³Ô¹Ï

Here are a few reasons why a student might opt for Early Decision:

• Demonstrate their Enthusiasm: By applying Early Decision, a student can demonstrate their genuine enthusiasm and dedication to becoming a part of the 51³Ô¹Ï community. The 51³Ô¹Ï Office recognizes the significance of this commitment, which can positively influence their decision.
• Binding Commitment: Early Decision is a binding commitment, meaning that if admitted, a student agrees to enroll at 51³Ô¹Ï and withdraw any applications submitted to other colleges. This commitment demonstrates confidence in, and dedication to, 51³Ô¹Ï as their top-choice institution.
• Streamlined Application Process: Applying Early Decision streamlines the application process, allowing a student to focus their time and effort on preparing a strong application for 51³Ô¹Ï without the distraction of other pending applications.

To be considered for Early Decision, an applicant must submit their completed application and all required documents by the November 1 deadline. The applicant must indicate they are applying for Early Decision on the application of choice.

Early Decision applicants who are accepted to their first-choice campus and first-choice major must accept our offer of admission and pay their enrollment fee no later than January 15.

The last test dates eligible for inclusion in Early Decision consideration are October 18 for ACT and October 4 for SAT. Early Decision applicants have the ability to change their test score consideration until November 8.

To receive an offer of financial aid at the time of Early Decision admission notification, the FAFSA must be submitted by November 1. The on-time FAFSA application deadline is February 15. Students who submit the FAFSA by February 15 will receive an offer of financial aid in early March.

In addition to an admit or deny, Early Decision applicants could receive a defer notification. A defer notification means an applicant will receive a final decision notification as part of the regular decision release in early March.

Students admitted to a second-choice major or campus are no longer in a binding commitment under Early Decision and have until May 1 to submit their enrollment fee.

Along with an admission decision, Early Decision applicants will receive a notification on any merit scholarships awarded (excluding Nutmeg, Day of Pride, and Stamps) and 51³Ô¹Ï’s Honors Program. Information regarding applying for housing or registering for an orientation session will be made available in March.

All Special Programs applicants, whether applying through Early Decision or Regular Decision, will receive their admission decision for Special Programs on March 1. Applicants for the Day of Pride, Nutmeg, or Stamps Scholarships will be notified in early February. Early Decision applicants admitted to their first-choice major and campus must submit the enrollment fee by the January 15 deadline, regardless of whether they applied to a Special Program or are under scholarship consideration.

Early Decision applicants will receive their admission status in mid-December, however, the housing application and onboarding orientation portal will open in mid-March after all decisions have been released.