How to Apply: Early Decision
Is Early Decision right for me? This is a question you may be asking yourself right about now. With the college application process ahead of you, an admission essay to draft, piles of homework to do, and activities that interest you -- why wouldn't you want to relieve some of the pressure and apply early to just one college?
You could have your college application out the door before the holidays and maybe even be admitted before the New Year begins. Sounds great, but applying early is not a decision to be made hastily. Some serious consideration needs to take place on your part before you'll know if Early Decision is right for you.
If you can confidently answer "yes" to each of the following questions, then applying Early Decision may be just the option for you.
- Have you researched this college as well as others that interest you?
- Have you visited a variety of campuses while students and faculty are around?
- Are your academic, extracurricular and social needs going to be met?
- Did you meet with an admissions counselor to find out if you are a realistic applicant?
- Have you discussed college costs and aid with someone in the financial aid office?
- Have you discussed your decision with your family as well as your guidance counselor?
- Are you ready to stop your college search now because this college is clearly your first choice?
As you investigate Susquehanna University, consider the following advantages of Early Decision (ED) at SU.
- Early Decision applications are given extra attention, as these applications are the first to be read by the admissions staff.
- You could be admitted to Susquehanna before your friends have even finalized their list of college choices
- Susquehanna's scholarship committee will notify you shortly after your admission if you qualify for a merit scholarship.
- Applicants for need-based financial aid who complete their financial aid applications by February 1 will have a financial aid decision before the February 15 enrollment deposit deadline.
- Priority housing arrangements are made for ED students who pay their enrollment deposits by February 15.
- If we are not able to admit you ED, you will be deferred to the regular decision pool so you'll have time to provide us with improved grades and test scores.
Applying Early Decision is the very best way to tell the admissions staff that Susquehanna is where you want to enroll. Early Decision has many advantages and no disadvantages if Susquehanna is truly your first choice college.
The number of students applying Early Decision to Susquehanna has grown significantly in the past few years. These students began their college search early, thoroughly researched and visited other colleges and found Susquehanna University to be the best choice for them.
Each year about 20% to 25% of our new first-year class enrolls as Early Decision students. In fact, a higher percentage of Early Decision students are admitted than are admitted overall. We hope that we can welcome you as an Early Decision member of the class of 2011.
Early Decision Calendar at a Glance
Early Decision I
- Apply by November 15
- Admission decision by December 1
- Scholarship decision by December 15
- Enrollment deposit by February 15
Early Decision II
- Apply by January 1
- Admission decision by January 15
- Scholarship decision by February 1
- Enrollment deposit by February 15
Complete Early Decision Admission and Financial Aid Calendar
Fall 2007
- Read about and visit colleges.
- Think about your short and longer-term goals.
- Do well in your senior year courses.
- Take, or retake, the SAT or ACT.
- Consider whether Susquehanna offers you the right academic and personal fit.
- If so, and SU is clearly your first choice college, then apply Early Decision!
October 2007
- Be sure that you have an application or apply on-line.
- Request that your guidance counselor send your high school transcript and senior course schedule to Susquehanna.
- If you plan to apply for financial aid, pick up a copy of the CSS Profile in your guidance office or in Susquehanna's financial aid office.
- Start jotting down ideas for your college essay.
November 2007
- By November 15: Submit your completed admission application if you want to be considered for acceptance under Susquehanna's Early Decision I plan.
- Include the signed Early Decision Request Form if SU is your clear first choice college.
- By November 30: If you plan to apply for financial aid, call or register on-line for the CSS Profile and pick up a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in your guidance office or at Susquehanna.
December 2007
- By December 1: Early Decision I applicants are notified of their admission to Susquehanna; students whose admissions are deferred are encouraged to send additional grades and test scores and are automatically reconsidered for admission later.
- By December 15: Early Decision I scholarship recipients are notified of their awards.
- Complete your application for admission and Early Decision Request Form if you want to be considered for acceptance under Susquehanna's Early Decision II plan.
January 2008
- By January 1: Submit your completed admission application and Early Decision Request Form if you want to be considered for acceptance under Susquehanna's Early Decision II.
- January 1: The first date to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you want to be considered for need-based financial aid.
- By January 15: Early Decision II applicants are notified of their admission to Susquehanna; students whose admissions are deferred are encouraged to send additional grades and test scores and are automatically reconsidered for admission later.
- By January 15: Submit all required financial aid applications and supporting documents if you intend to apply for need-based aid.
February 2008
- By February 1: Early Decision II scholarship recipients are notified of their awards.
- Beginning February 1: Students who have submitted a complete financial aid applications are notified of any need-based financial aid.
- By February 15: For Early Decision I and Early Decision II students, submit the $400 enrollment deposit if you have been notified of your scholarship and/or financial aid award, or request a deadline extension if you have not yet completed the financial aid process. Withdraw any applications you may have submitted to other colleges if you have been admitted to Susquehanna.
Spring 2008
- Relax, you're through the admissions (and financial aid) process well ahead of your friends.
- Finish your senior courses with strong grades and good study skills intact.
- Enjoy your senior activities and graduation.
- Learn to love SU maroon and orange!
- Proudly wear a new SU t-shirt or shorts.
- Look forward to enrolling at Susquehanna!
