Early Decision

Determine if Early Decision is right for you.

Three different admissions plans give you the flexibility to apply to Hopkins when you’re ready. Before deciding whether to apply Early Decision, we encourage you to research multiple schools, estimate your college cost, and get to know our community, students, and academic culture by attending our virtual or in-person events. If you’ve done your research and Hopkins is your top-choice college, Early Decision may be right for you.

No matter which plan you choose, you’ll receive the same financial aid offer and consideration for merit scholarships.

Watch Video
Admissions counselor with text "When to Apply"

Explaining Admissions Plans

We break down the differences between Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision to help you decide which is right for you.

You Should Apply Early Decision I if…

 

  • You’ve done your research on the community, academics, and financial aid, and Hopkins is your top-choice college.
  • You’ll be ready to submit your application by the November 1 deadline and your financial aid application (if applying) by the November 15 deadline.

You Should Apply Early Decision II if…

 

  • You’ve done your research on the community, academics, and financial aid, and Hopkins is your top-choice college.
  • You’d like additional time to gather materials, take standardized tests, or want to submit your first-semester grades.
  • You’ll be ready to submit your application by the January 2 deadline and your financial aid application (if applying) by the January 15 deadline.

You Should Apply Regular Decision if…

 

  • You’re still determining your top-choice college.
  • You want the flexibility to compare admissions and financial aid offers  from other colleges.
  • You’d like additional time, and you’ll be ready to submit your application by the January 2 deadline and your financial aid application (if applying) by the January 15 deadline.

What to know about applying early decision

Early Decision I and Early Decision II are both binding agreements. You, your parent or legal guardian, and your secondary school counselor will be required to sign an agreement stating that you’ll enroll at Hopkins if admitted and withdraw any other applications to other schools. You can only apply Early Decision to one school at a time.

While Early Decision I and Early Decision II are almost identical, Early Decision II gives you more time to gather application materials, and there are some differences in when you’ll receive your decision and the possible outcomes: 

  • In Early Decision I, you can either be admitted, deferred to Regular Decision, or denied. You’ll receive your admissions decision in mid-December unless your application has been deferred.
  • In Early Decision II, you can either be admitted, waitlisted, or denied. You’ll receive your admissions decision in mid-February. 

Visit our Deadlines & Requirements page for a list of requirements.

early decision & financial aid

Whether you apply Early Decision or Regular Decision, you’re eligible for the same types of need-based aid and merit scholarships.

Learn More About Applying for Financial Aid

Early Decision FAQs

Check here for answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, reach out to your admissions counselor directly.

Early Decision