What does early decision mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛrli dɪˈsɪʒən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A type of college admission process where students apply early and receive a binding decision, committing to attend if accepted.

Examples

• The student applied early decision to her top-choice college.
• The university offered an early decision option for highly qualified applicants.

Additional Information

Early decision is a type of application process that allows students to apply to a college early, usually in November, and receive a decision in December or January. If accepted, the student is committing to attend that college and withdraw any other applications. This type of application is often binding, meaning the student is obligated to attend the college if accepted.

Early decision is different from early action, which is a non-binding application process that allows students to apply early and receive a decision early, but does not require them to attend the college if accepted.

Etymology

The phrase “early decision” originated in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, as colleges began to adopt early application processes to attract highly qualified students.

Usage Notes

Early decision is often used in the context of college admissions, but it can also refer to other types of applications or decisions made early in a process.

Cultural References

Early decision has been referenced in popular culture, such as in movies and TV shows about college admissions, like “The Social Network” and “Gilmore Girls”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Early bird gets the worm (meaning early action or decision has an advantage)

Related Words or Phrases

• Early action
• BINDING
• Conditional acceptance

Collocations

• Early decision deadline
• Early decision application
• Early decision acceptance rate

Frequency of Use

The phrase “early decision” is commonly used in the context of college admissions, and is most frequently used during the college application season, typically from September to December.

Common Misspellings

• Early desision
• Early decission
• Early desicion