What exactly is early decision I & II?

<p>i wanted to go to GWU so bad. but i wanna know what is Early decision I and II? that is confusing me, and also i want to ask something about getting into GWU.</p>

<p>i graduated hs when i was 16 yr 2006 in my country somewhere in asia. and then move here after graduation, since i got here in US i started working until now, now that im turning 21 yrs old this coming september is there still a way that i can go to school in GWU? this would be my first time to go to school here in US. i really want to go to school specially in GWU.</p>

<p>i need some info. thanks.</p>

<p>Can’t answer your age question but anyway:</p>

<p>Early Decision is an agreement between you and the college. They look at your application early and send you your decision early, and you agree that you WILL go there if accepted. Early Action is the same premise but it is non-binding.</p>

<p>Do not do Early Decision. It is more of a headache than it is worth, believe me. I did ED at a school based on all the bells and whistles they send you in their letters and pamphlets. I got in and once I finally managed to go visit (yeah it was irresponsible to do that before visiting) I hated every aspect of the college. Then I found out all of the non-cited and unitless statistics they gave me about their college were complete lies.</p>

<p>Ultimately I called the Admissions Dept and explained the scenario to them and they were very understanding and released me from the agreement (bear in mind I was 17 so it was much less of a “contract” than you will sign as a 21 year old legally) but I SERIOUSLY doubt many colleges would be so forgiving. They can and will (I have heard) actively make it hell for you to try to enroll in another college after breaching your agreement.</p>

<p>I think kd means “Do not do Early Decision without first visiting.” Even then you should apply ED only if it’s your one dream school above all others, the one you want to attend if there is any way to swing the financing (and if the school does not offer enough aid to make it work, you just say thanks but no thanks and apply RD elsewhere; there are no consequences).</p>