Is Early Decision right for you?

Below are commonly asked questions we receive about Early Decision.

What is Early Decision?

"Early Decision" (ED) allows you to apply early and get an admission decision well in advance of the Regular Decision (RD) notification timeframe, which is typically in March.  SU's deadline for ED application is November 15.  You'll know by the end of December whether you've been accepted.

Why would I want to apply for Early Decision admission?

There are a lot of reasons.  Here are some of the ones we hear most often:

"ED admission gave me peace of mind.  While some of my friends worried and waited through most of the spring, I already knew what I was going to do.  It was a relief not to have all that additional stress, plus I think I enjoyed my last semester of high school a lot more."

"It saved me from having to apply to a lot of colleges.  Less time filling out forms, and less money spent on fees."

"Applying for ED meant that I was part of a smaller pool of applicants.  That gave me a chance to really stand out and demonstrate my unique talents and accomplishments."

If I apply for Early Decision and am admitted, am I committed to attending Syracuse University?

SU makes four types of ED decisions:

1. admit to first-choice

2. alternative offer to another area (typically your 2nd or 3rd choice)

3. in some cases, deferral to RD

4. deny

If you are admitted to your first-choice program and receive satisfactory financial aid, accepting our offer is "binding."  By admitting you as ED we have made a commitment to you and will hold your spot in the class with the expectation that you will attend.

However, if you receive an alternative offer of admission (you are not admitted to your first-choice, but to another academic area), we will release you from the binding contract and you can accept our offer of admission by May 1.  This allows you to consider other options, though most students do choose SU.