Early Decision is one of the ways incoming first-year students can choose to submit their application, and we’re here to break down the benefits of this early, binding admissions plan. Ultimately, when and how you apply to Clark is your choice, and we’re excited to read your application.
What is Early Decision at Clark?
Early Decision (ED) is a binding agreement you make with Clark. By applying ED, you are indicating that Clark is your top choice. If you are admitted, you are asked to withdraw applications from other schools and enroll at Clark early. To qualify, your school counselor, a parent or guardian, and you must sign and submit the Early Decision Agreement Form along with your application. You must also apply by one of our two deadlines: Nov. 1 and Jan. 15.
Benefits of Early Decision
If Clark is your clear first choice, Early Decision can help you move from applying to belonging sooner. Early Decision is binding, which means you agree to enroll at Clark if admitted. In return, you receive several benefits designed to make your transition to Clark easier and more exciting.
Know sooner that you have found your future home at Clark
Receive your admission decision and scholarship notification by Thanksgiving, giving you more time to celebrate, plan, and enjoy the rest of senior year.
Receive early scholarship consideration
Your application is reviewed early in the admission cycle, when Clark begins awarding merit scholarships. Which means you are committing to Clark at the perfect time, when the greatest amount of scholarship funding is available.
Be considered early for Clark Honors
Clark Honors has limited space. Applying Early Decision places you among the first students considered as the Honors class begins to take shape, and you will receive your Honors decision sooner.
Show Clark it is your first choice
Early Decision makes your commitment clear. Your application is reviewed early, as Clark begins building the incoming class.
Get an early start on housing
Explore your housing options sooner and receive early access to the housing process, including a one-on-one consultation about preferences, roommates, and what to expect.
Choose your preferred roommate
Already know who you want to live with? You may request that person as your first-year roommate. If not, Clark can help you find a good match.
Get priority access to admitted student experiences
Receive priority registration for Destination Clark dates and select admitted-student experiences, some of which reach capacity and develop waitlists.
Start planning your academic path
Meet early with an academic adviser to discuss your interests, possible majors, academic opportunities, and questions about your first year.
Move in early
Enjoy extra time to unpack, settle into your residence hall, and make yourself at home before the rest of the incoming class arrives. Students who apply Early Decision have the advantage of moving in one day early!
Park free for your first year
Bringing a car to campus? Early Decision students receive first-year parking at no cost, a $250 value. This gives you a chance to explore Worcester and beyond on your time!
Receive a $100 Campus Store gift card
Use your gift card for supplies, Clark gear, or something else to help you prepare for your first semester.
Get your Clark swag early
Celebrate your decision with Clark swag before other admitted students and start showing your Clark pride right away.
Application plans
|
Best if Clark is your first choice Early Decision |
Early Action | Regular Decision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Binding. You can apply to only one school ED. | Non-binding. You can apply to multiple schools EA. | Non-binding. You can apply to multiple schools RD. |
| Deadlines | Two options: Nov. 1 and Jan. 15 | One deadline: Nov. 1 | One deadline: Jan. 15 |
| When you hear back | By Thanksgiving for Nov. 1; by mid-February for Jan. 15 | January | Before the end of March |
| When you enroll | Right away, withdrawing applications from other schools | By May 1 | By May 1 |
| Preliminary financial aid award with your acceptance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic merit scholarship consideration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
What are the terms of Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding commitment, so you can apply Early Decision to only one college and, if admitted, commit to enroll without comparing offers from other colleges.
How is Early Decision different from Early Action?
Early Decision is binding, while Early Action is non-binding, meaning you can apply EA to as many schools as you want. You also don’t need to enroll until May 1 with EA, so you have more time to weigh all of your options.
If I apply Early Decision, will I get less aid?
No – you will receive the same amount of aid. When you apply Early Decision, your need-based financial aid forms are due at the same time. This way, we can give you a preliminary financial aid award with your acceptance. We also automatically consider all students for merit scholarships whether they apply ED or not.
What happens if I can’t afford to attend?
If you’re still unable to afford a Clark education after working with the Office of Financial Assistance, you may ask to be released from the binding agreement.
