5 Questions to Ask Before Applying Early Decision

Decision (ED) can be a powerful option for students who are absolutely sure about their first-choice college. It can also be a stressful commitment if you’re not fully prepared. Before signing an ED agreement, here are five questions every family should consider carefully:

1. Have you visited the campus?

Choosing a college is choosing your home for the next four years. Just like buying a house sight unseen, committing to a school without walking the campus isn’t something I recommend. Photos and social media can make anywhere look beautiful, but being on the campus — seeing the classrooms, eating in the dining hall, watching students interact — gives you a much better sense of whether you can imagine yourself there long term. If possible, visit more than one campus so you have a comparison point and see school when school is in session. Want to make the most of your tour? Check out my GRAND guide to campus visits.

2. Have you run the Net Price Calculator?

Finances matter. Many ED schools meet full demonstrated need, which makes costs more predictable, but ED applicants are often less likely to receive merit aid. Why? Because colleges use merit scholarships to entice students to enroll, and ED applicants have already signaled their intent to commit. Running the Net Price Calculator (NPC) on the school’s website will give you a realistic picture of what your family might pay — and avoid unwelcome surprises later, especially in light of the recent changes to federal student loan limits.

3. Have you talked with real students, not just the tour guides?

Tour guides and student ambassadors do a fantastic job highlighting a school’s best features — that’s their role. But to get a fuller picture, try talking with current students in a more casual setting: maybe someone you know from your community, a family friend, or even a student you connect with through a club or department of interest. Ask them what they like most, but also what they wish they could change. Those candid insights are often the most valuable.

4. Are you confident this school offers the right academic fit?

ED isn’t just about falling in love with the campus — it’s about making sure the academics are a strong match, too. Does the school offer your intended major, and if you change your mind (which many students do), will there still be good options? Are the advising and support systems strong enough to help you explore? You’ll want to know that no matter how your interests evolve, the school has programs that can support your growth.

5. Is your family fully on board — financially and emotionally?

One of the most overlooked aspects of ED is that it’s a family commitment, not just a student decision. A parent signature is required for the ED agreement, and the financial investment needs to make sense for everyone. Beyond money, though, this is about alignment: are parents comfortable with the binding nature of ED? Does everyone feel confident this school is the right place to call home? If there’s hesitation from either the student or the family, it’s worth pausing before committing.

What to Know Before Committing to Early Decision

By asking these questions up front, families can approach Early Decision with clarity and confidence. For some, ED is the perfect path. For others, waiting until Regular Decision brings greater peace of mind. Either way, the goal is the same: finding the college where your student will feel supported, challenged, and at home.

College admissions doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or confusing. My role is to simplify the process and give families back their time and peace of mind. If you’re ready for a more stress-free approach to college applications, reach out today and let’s start the conversation.