Early Decision Perpetuates Problems in the Admissions Process

Colleges are the only players that benefit from the early decision system

Every year, a new class of high school students submits the Common Application in anticipation of their dreams coming true or being utterly crushed — a startling and unhealthy extreme.

A problematic aspect of the college admissions process is the early decision application option. This avenue produces more pressure and stress for students to get admitted to their dream school. An increasing number of students are applying to four-year universities each year, which is a step in the right direction for education in this country. However, early decision admissions should not be the defining way to get into prestigious schools.

Certain colleges permit “early decision” as an application option. Students who apply in this manner must submit the application at an earlier date than those applying on a regular decision date, but will hear back from the school earlier with a decision, as well.

However, this process comes with stipulations. Students are only allowed to apply to one school in the early decision round, and their admittance is binding. Meaning, they must accept admission if it is extended. For most, this is a dream come true. But reality sets in quickly. It is unrealistic to expect a senior in high school to make such a big decision when the school itself doesn’t even give them the courtesy of promising a decision.

The system is already running off the stress of teenagers believing that their future is determined by the college that they will attend. Or rather, the system is benefiting off of the pressure of what a potential student's college commitment decision post will look like on Instagram. Being able to focus on prestige and the image of a college is a privilege, and let’s face it — it can be an integral part of a student’s college decision. Admissions knows this and they take advantage of it by trying to secure students to attend their university earlier than the May decision date.

Herein lies the second issue with early decision applications: a student’s promise of their attendance does not require the school to give an answer. This student can be deferred to a later admission date that is no longer binding, rendering the entire process arbitrary. It reinforces the false idea that there is a dream school for every student, which closes them off to other options. Even though some students may prefer this option because they feel confident in their admissions, it is in no way promised.

Why are students pressured to submit an early decision application? Because the schools themselves say so. According to The Atlantic, prestigious universities such as Boston University and the University of Pennsylvania fill up more than half of their open spots for the entire incoming class during the early decision applicant pool. And over the past two years, on average, admissions has increased for early decision applicants by 10%. 

The decision then becomes an all-or-nothing bet–who knew that high schoolers are legally allowed to gamble for their futures? It seems acceptable if it means universities can secure their incoming class and tuition earlier.

This option for early decision increases the stressful nature of college admissions. Students will compromise their social lives and mental wellness to turn in their applications on time, get the best standardized testing score and the perfect GPA.

The college admissions process is not an enjoyable experience — it is fatiguing and may lead to disappointment. The pressure to attend a top school combined with the early decision option overshadows the hard work and time that students put in throughout high school. Their efforts are turned into a slap in the face via a rejection letter because college admissions are so exclusive now. They're already exhausted from the process, and an early decision just has the potential to crush their dreams sooner than others.