Frequently Asked Questions about Early Decision
Q. Can I apply early decision to more than one school?
A. No. You may apply Early Decision to only one school in any given application round. You may apply to other colleges and universities under Regular Decision or rolling admission plans. However, if you later pay your enrollment deposit to Emory, you must immediately withdraw any Regular Decision applications filed.
Q. What does “binding” Early Decision mean?
A. It means that you are entering into an ethical agreement stating that Emory is your first choice school and if admitted with adequate financial aid, you will enroll at Emory and withdraw all other college applications you have filed.
Q. When is the admission deposit due for early decision?
A. The nonrefundable deposit of $475 is due by January 15 (ED I) or March 1 (ED II). Along with this deposit we require a signed agreement from you and your high school counselor that states that you fully understand the terms of early decision.
Q. When must I withdraw my other college applications?
A. At Emory, you must withdraw any other college applications you have filed at the time you make your nonrefundable deposit of $475, due January 15 (ED I) or March 1 (ED II).
Q. What are the other possible admission decisions if I am not offered Early Decision admission?
A. Your application may be deferred to our Regular Decision plan, with notification of admission by April 1 and a deposit deadline of May 1. Under Regular Decision, you may apply to other colleges and universities. Students who are deferred to Regular Decision should send first semester senior grades from their high school and any new standardized test scores.
The other possible decision is a deny decision. If the Admission Committee concludes that Emory College is not a good match for you, we will inform you of this decision with other Early Decision candidates in December. This decision is a final decision and you are not permitted to apply again under Regular Decision. (You may initiate a transfer application after competing one year of college work elsewhere.) ED II applicants also might be waitlisted.
Q. Will I receive a financial aid award prior to my deposit deadline?
A. Yes, if you have filed a College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE form by our deadline of November 1 (ED I) or January 1 (ED II), you will receive a financial aid evaluation before the deposit deadline. You also must submit complete copies of your and your parent’s previous year’s U.S. income tax documents. Later in the spring, you must submit the FAFSA and a copy of you family’s tax returns for the year that just ended.
Q. Can I be an Emory Scholar Nominee as well as an applicant for Early Decision?
A. Certainly. You should be aware, however, that Emory Scholar awards are not finalized until early April. If your decision to attend Emory is dependent upon receiving a merit-based scholarship, you are advised to apply under Regular Decision.
Q. Can I change my application from Early Decision to Regular Decision?
A. Yes. Notify the Admission office in writing by November 15 (ED I) or by January 15 (ED II). Your application will be moved to the Regular Decision plan, with admission notification by April 1.
Should you have questions about Early Decision that are not covered in this information, please feel free to email admiss@emory.edu or call our toll free number, 800.727.6036.