A. Early Decision is an admission plan reserved for students
who have identified a clear-cut first choice early in their college
search. Students who apply under the ED plan are informed of the college’s
decision much earlier in the process than those who apply under Regular
admission and in return, these students make a commitment to attend
if accepted.
A. Early Decision matches students with their first choice
college, and allows for an early commitment and college choice. Students
who apply under the Regular Decision plan won’t hear about the
college’s decision until early spring. With Moravian’s ED
plan a student may hear as early as mid-December about their acceptance,
easing the anxiety of waiting to hear in the spring. Because Moravian
only encourages students who have made Moravian their first choice,
to apply ED, the Early Decision agreement is one of the best ways to
match a student with the right college for the individual.
A. In a word, ratings. Unfortunately, an increasing number
of colleges are encouraging students to apply under their Early Decision
plans so that they are able to keep their acceptance rates down. This
use of the ED plan is controversial because Early Decision is designed
to benefit students, and now it seems to many that colleges are using
it as way to improve their ratings in guidebooks. As a result, colleges
are filling their classes with Early Decision applicants, leaving less
room for those who apply under the Regular Decision plan. At Moravian,
we still adhere to the original spirit of ED with just under one-third
of each class filled by Early Decision.
A. The admissions standards for Early Decision candidates and Regular Decision candidates are the same. However, the acceptance rate for students applying ED has been higher than that of the Regular Decision applicants. One of the factors considered during the admissions process is the student’s level of interest. Committing to Moravian College as an ED applicant demonstrates the highest level of interest. Also, part of the process in selective admissions is comparing your candidacy with other applicants. Fewer students apply Early Decision than Regular Decision resulting in a smaller applicant pool and less competition.
A. No. Early Decision is reserved for only those who have
identified Moravian as their first choice. You may apply as a Regular
Decision candidate to additional colleges, but you can only apply under
the Early Decision plan to one college. If your application is approved
under the Early Decision plan, you are expected to withdraw all other
applications.
A. Colleges share lists of students who have been accepted
under the Early Decision plan. If we find a student has been accepted
under the ED plan at another college, we will rescind our offer. And,
the other colleges will typically follow suit. We take very seriously
the spirit of the ED plan, and students need to do that as well.
A. No. In fact, over the past few years, grants awarded to students admitted under the Early Decision plan have been higher than those awarded under the Regular Decision plan. Moravian College will strive to make generous awards to students admitted under Early Decision, which in many cases fully meets the demonstrated financial need as calculated by the College Scholarship Service PROFILE Form.
A. If you are considering the Early Decision option, we will do our best to provide
you with an early estimate of your financial aid package. That way, you can determine if your
family can meet the costs of attending Moravian before making the commitment required of all
Early Decision candidates.
A. Because Moravian is your first choice, there should
be no reason to negotiate with other colleges. Certainly, Moravian College
is unlikely to be the least expensive college option for you and your
family. If you are waiting for the best offer of financial aid, do not
apply Early Decision. But, if you have found that Moravian is the right
college for you, submit an early estimate and make the commitment.
