It is October 1, and some version of the same question has come up on almost every call I have had with seniors over the past few weeks: Should I apply early decision?

Usually, the family has heard that applying early improves the odds. Sometimes they have found an acceptance rate that looks much more encouraging than the one they saw for regular decision. With applications underway and deadlines approaching, it is understandable to want a clear answer.

Before I recommend early decision, though, I want to know how the student feels about the college and whether the family has worked through the cost.

A higher acceptance rate can start the conversation. It cannot make the decision for them.

Understand What the Commitment Means

Early decision is a binding application plan. A student applies with the understanding that, if admitted with an affordable financial aid package, they will attend and withdraw their other applications. College Board explains the commitment here.

From a college’s perspective, that commitment makes enrollment more predictable. The school has a clearer idea of who will actually arrive.

For the student, an admission can bring welcome relief. They can finish the process knowing where they are going.

That early resolution is not guaranteed. Colleges can also defer an application for another review in the regular round. Penn, for example, explains that deferred applicants move into regular decision and are released from the early decision commitment. Penn’s decision guidance describes those outcomes.

Read the Numbers Carefully

At some colleges, the difference between early and regular admission rates is substantial. Duke reports admitting 12.6 percent of early decision applicants and 4.2 percent of regular decision applicants in its 2025–2026 admissions cycle. Duke’s admissions FAQ provides those figures.

That is useful information, but it does not mean an individual student triples their chances by applying early. The two groups contain different applicants. Their results cannot tell us what would happen to the same student in each round.

I use those numbers alongside the student’s academic preparation, the strength of the application, and the college’s own guidance. An early application still needs to make a persuasive case.

Work Through the Cost First

Families should be comfortable with the likely cost before signing an early decision agreement.

Start with the college’s net price calculator, which estimates what your family might pay. Confirm that it applies to your circumstances, and ask the financial aid office about anything the estimate does not capture. An estimate is a planning tool, not a final award.

Applying early does not automatically mean receiving less financial aid. Penn, for example, states that it calculates aid the same way in both rounds. Penn’s financial aid explanation makes that policy clear. Merit scholarship rules should be checked separately at each college.

The important tradeoff is that your family gives up the opportunity to compare offers before choosing where to enroll. If that comparison could determine your decision, I would preserve it.

There is also a process for addressing an unaffordable award. Duke, for example, says families may be released from the commitment after discussing their circumstances with its financial aid and admissions offices. Review the college’s policy before applying. Duke explains its process here.

Make Sure the Student Has a Clear First Choice

When a student tells me a college is their favorite, I want to hear what makes it different from the others on their list.

Can they explain what they want to study there? Have they thought about the setting and the daily experience? Would they still choose it if another college they liked also admitted them?

A student does not need to have every detail of college life figured out. They should know enough to feel comfortable making the commitment.

I also would not insist that an early decision school must be a reach. A clear first choice can be a sensible option across different levels of admissions risk. If admission already looks likely, however, I want the family to consider carefully what they gain by committing early and what flexibility they give up.

Before Your Senior Applies

Sit down together and answer three questions:

- Is this genuinely the student’s first choice?

- Can the family manage the expected cost without needing to compare other offers?

- Will the student’s application be ready to represent them well by the early deadline?

If those answers are clear, early decision may make sense. If one remains uncertain, identify what you need to learn and who will help you resolve it before the deadline.

The decision should leave both the student and the family comfortable with what an acceptance would mean.

Deadline: Thursday, November 5, at 8:00 p.m. ET, including recommendations

Seniors who have completed original, independent scientific research can submit their work to the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition distributes $3.1 million in awards annually, including a $250,000 first prize. Applications include a research paper of up to 20 pages, essays, transcripts, and recommendations.

Why it matters: If you already have a substantial research project, this is an opportunity to share it with scientists who can evaluate your work. Give yourself time to prepare the written application, and make sure your recommenders know that their letters are due at the same 8:00 p.m. deadline.

—> Learn more and apply

Deadline: Watch for the 2027 application this fall; current dates have not yet been confirmed

Interested in medicine and wondering what the path actually looks like? Weill Cornell’s Health Professions Recruitment/Exposure Program introduces students to physicians and other health professionals and pairs them with medical student mentors. Past sessions have included help with personal statements, résumés, research writing, and college applications. The program particularly serves students underrepresented in medicine.

Why it matters: Talking regularly with a medical student gives teens room to ask practical questions about the workload, the training, and how people choose a direction within health care. Keep an eye on the program page for the upcoming schedule, format, and application deadline.

—>Learn more

Deadline: Applications for 2027 are expected to open in October; check the program page for confirmed dates

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Garden Apprentice Program gives students experience in gardening, environmental education, and working with children. The program runs from March through November, with meetings once or twice a week during spring and fall and four days a week in summer. Apprentices can return and progress through four tiers, taking on more responsibility as they gain experience.

Why it matters: Students can begin exploring an interest in plants or the environment while they are still in middle school and build on it over several years. Returning apprentices have opportunities to mentor younger students and take on leadership roles. Families should review the summer schedule carefully before committing.

—>Learn more

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