Demystifying Early Decision applications to US Universities 

Recently, our successful Upper Sixth US university Early Decision (ED) applicants shared their experiences of the process with pupils in lower years considering this option themselves. They spoke candidly about how they built their college lists, prepared for the SAT, approached essay writing, and balanced this alongside their school work. Pupils in the audience also had the opportunity to ask questions, making the session especially valuable.

The advice shared was thoughtful, reassuring and grounded in real experience. Their collective message was clear: Early Decision can be a fantastic opportunity, but it requires time, commitment, careful planning, and a strong sense of purpose. Here are their top tips and honest insights.

Understanding Early Decision:

Commitment and deadlines

If you choose to apply Early Decision, you must submit your application by 1 November. This is a firm deadline and represents a real commitment. For UK students, this often coincides with the start of Upper Sixth, when UCAS applications, A-levels, and other responsibilities are already demanding attention. 

The advantages of early decision 

• Offers are typically made mid-December
• Knowing you have secured a place at your dream school can be hugely reassuring 
• January mock exams feel less pressurised with university plans confirmed 
• Many top US universities fill a significant proportion, sometimes over half, of their places through Early Decision 

Points to consider carefully 

• Early Decision is legally binding. If you are offered a place and accept it, you are contractually committed to attending that university, making it essential to be confident in your choice before applying. 
• It is rarely possible to defer an Early Decision place 
• Changing your mind after accepting is not an option unless there are exceptional circumstances 

 Choosing the right University:

One of the strongest pieces of advice from this year’s applicants was to research and narrow down your choices carefully to find the right academic and personal fit. Research is crucial. Explore the academic programmes, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and location. Be certain that the university aligns with who you are and who you want to become, don’t solely focus on prestige and ask yourself: 

• Is this genuinely my dream school? 
• Does the course suit my interests and strengths? 
• Can I see myself thriving on this campus, in this city? 
• What can I contribute to this university community? 

Start Early: Managing the workload

The application process is time-consuming, particularly when applying to multiple universities. This year’s offer holders began the application process during the summer holidays at the end of the Lower Sixth. Starting early and being organised allows you to: 

• Write thoughtfully rather than rushing 
• Balance applications with academic work 
• Focus fully on A-levels once Upper Sixth begins 

Trying to manage everything at once in September can be extremely challenging, so early preparation makes a real difference 

Standardised tests:

Most US universities who had dropped the requirement to submit either an ACT or SAT score during Covid, have now reinstated the requirement.  All the pupils strongly recommended sitting these tests to maximise opportunity and to add extra evidence of academic fit. Preparation is key: 

• Complete as many past papers as possible 
• Work under timed conditions 
• Sit practice tests early in the morning to replicate real test conditions 

The tests assess logic, problem-solving, and comprehension across maths and English, often focusing on how well you understand the question rather than just the content. 

Essays: Be authentic

On average, pupils this year applied to 10–15 universities, many of which required multiple supplemental essays. While some essays have short word limits, the volume quickly adds up, and most essays go through several drafts before they feel right. 

Top essay advice included: 

• Check each university’s website carefully for essay guidance 
• Choose prompts that genuinely resonate with you 
• Write about something only you can write about 
• Be reflective, self-aware, and honest 

Successful essays this year covered topics such as cross-country running, filmmaking, snowboarding, and personal business ventures. The common theme was authenticity, showing what makes you tick rather than trying to impress with gimmicks. 

Aim for depth over breadth

There are many opportunities available at Oundle. The advice from pupils was to make the most of those opportunities, find the thing you love and commit to it fully. Develop your own pathway, show sustained interest, and demonstrate growth over time. Depth is far more compelling than a long list of unrelated activities and provides substance for supporting essay submissions. 

University admissions teams take a holistic view of applicants and value diversity in talents and experiences. They want to understand: 

• Your academic focus and areas of specialism 
• How you have pursued your interests in depth 
• How you respond to challenges, setbacks, and adversity 

Seek support and guidance

No pupil navigates this process alone. Support at Oundle is carefully structured and specialist, drawing on tutors and subject teachers for academic guidance and recommendations, alongside dedicated expertise from Ms O’Brien and the Careers Department, who have extensive experience supporting US university applications. Pupils also benefit from the insight of peers who have recently been through the process, as demonstrated by this session itself. 

Early Decision can be a powerful opportunity for pupils who know exactly what they want and are prepared to commit early. With careful research, early preparation, and a strong sense of self, it can open the door to an exciting and rewarding next chapter.