Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does applying Early Decision actually increase acceptance chances?
The truth is that Early Decision can improve acceptance chances, but the increase varies widely depending on the school. Some highly competitive boarding schools fill a meaningful portion of their class from the Early Decision pool because those applicants are signaling a strong, genuine commitment. Schools appreciate that clarity, especially when they are filling very limited slots. At other schools, the bump may be modest. It really depends on how many students apply early and how many seats the school chooses to allocate to ED applicants in a given year. The most important thing to keep in mind is that ED applicants are very prepared. They are often strong students who started their testing, essays, and interview prep early on. So while ED can help, it is not a guarantee, and you should approach it strategically.
- What should families consider before committing to Early Decision?
Before choosing Early Decision, take a step back and ask yourself whether the boarding school is the best fit for your child. ED is a binding agreement, which means that if the school accepts your child, you agree to enroll and withdraw applications to other schools. Are you prepared to make that commitment? Have you explored the academic environment, campus culture, extracurricular options, and boarding school life? If everything aligns adn the school feels right, then ED can be a wonderful path. If not, Regular Decision can offer more flexibility.
- Are international applicants at a disadvantage when applying ED?
International students are not at a disadvantage in Early Decision, but there are a few considerations. Some boarding schools have limited spots for international applicants, so the competition can feel tighter regardless of the admission round. However, if you are willing to prepare early, then ED can actually be beneficial. Applying in the ED round signals a strong interest and gives admissions officers the chance to review your application before they receive a flood of international files in the Regular Decision.
The biggest challenge is timing. If you’re an international family, your child would need more time for English proficiency tests, document requests, and school reports. Visa applications and campus visits can also affect planning. However, if you are organized, confident in your school choice, and ready with all the paperwork, Early Decision can work in your favor just as much as it does for domestic applicants.
- What happens if my child is deferred or denied in the ED round?
If your child is deferred in the Early Decision round, it simply means the school wants more time to review their application alongside the Regular Decision pool. A deferral isnot a no. In fact, many deferred students are later admitted, if they continue to show strong academics, improved test scores, or deeper engagement in school activities. Families should show continued interest use the time between ED and RD deadlines to update the school with any new achievements or grades. It is also the time to finalize applications to other schools.
If your child is denied, the decision is final for that school, but it is not the end of their boarding school journey. Stay positive and move forward with Regular Decision applications with other schools. Many students who are denied in ED end up thriving at other schools that turn out to be a better fit.
