Oh hi! I didn’t see you there. My name is Kevin Mead, and I want to talk to you about an issue that affects thousands of college applicants each year – early decision. Early decision comes from the ancient Greek “decidi” which means “pick and stick”. It is a special application process that basically signifies your dedication to coming to RIT and your willingness to accept enrollment right now. To most universities, Early Decision is a truly binding contract. Being the innovative campus we are, however, we do things a little differently. Here’s what you need to know. RIT describes its Early Decision process as a “friendly” version of a binding agreement. If you apply Early Decision and get in, two things will happen. First, I’ll say congrats! Second, you will have to submit a $300 acceptance deposit, and withdraw your other applications by February 15th. If you don’t get in, no worries! Your application will be reviewed again in the Regular Decision pool of applicants. If you get accepted into your second or third choice program, you can request to be removed from the Early Decision program. RIT also allows its applicants to leave the early decision program if they determine that the university isn’t an affordable choice. There are definitely some benefits to applying ED. You show that you are committed to an education at RIT. If you’re applying to a competitive program, ED increases the chance that you’ll snag a spot. ED also puts you at ease. If you know you want to come to RIT, and you’re suffering from senioritis, then knowing you’ve been accepted will feel amazing. At the same time, ED is a huge decision. If you accept and withdraw your other applications, you better be sure that RIT is the right fit. If you get to your program and find something you don’t like, you might not enjoy the experience. So do your research, weigh your options, and maybe Early Decision is the right decision for you!
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