- ED means “Binding”. It means you are fully committed to the school and if accepted, you have to commit to attend and withdraw all other applications. Make sure you choose your ED school wisely and discuss whether it is truly your dream school and you have 100 percent intention of attending if accepted. You cannot say ‘nevermind’ and not attend the ED school as it will impair the relationship between your highschool, counselor, and the university.
- Deadline for ED schools is normally November 1st. This means colleges will receive the first and foremost round of applicants who are dedicated to the school. Do not wait until the last minute to submit the application, as many students from worldwide are probably going to be using the Common Application.
✉️ Letter of Recommendation: Most ED schools will require up to two (2) recommenders who will speak for your performance inside and outside of class. We normally suggest receiving recommendation letter from someone who has seen you for more than 2 semesters and has seen you grow, and from a class that you actually performed well in. Even if you are besties with your chemistry teacher but you received a C in that class, there are limitations to what the teacher can write about you so think twice before asking recommendation letter. Also, try to get recommendation letter from one of the core subject classes, if possible. (English, Math, Science, History).
✏️ Personal Statement: This is normally the main Common Application 650 word essay. This will be the first piece of writing that the admissions team will be reading about you. We will have a separate post about how to write a personal statement. Even if you’re in a hurry, look for spelling and grammar errors and the paragraphs are organized nicely. Click ‘preview’ to see how the essay will be seen.
📝 Supplemental Essay: Most ED schools will require a supplemental essay to see if you know them properly and to see whether you’re the right ‘fit’. Do your research thoroughly, and make sure it’s more than repeating your enthusiasm for how much you want to attend the school. Look into the department, different opportunities within campus, its unique culture and philosophy, and student life outside of classrooms as well.
🧑🏻 Parent / Guardian Approval: Remember, ED means you have to commit once you’re accepted. That means, your parents have to ‘approve’ through the Common App recognizing that they are aware of the financial commitment that they will need to make upon acceptance. Similar to sending invitation to recommenders, you input your parent/guardian’s name and email address. They will receive ‘approve ED’ email from their end and they will need to electronically approve.
🏫 Counselor Recommendation and Approval : You should have met your counselor at least once or twice, to confirm your ED school. Remember that counselors are humans too and they are prone to mistakes. It is your responsibility to check that counselor has submitted their recommendation and any other documents that need to be officially sent from the school’s end.
💰 Form of Payment: Last but not least, have your form of payment ready. We have experienced some hiccups at the very last payment page. Make sure that you input the address correctly for the card - if unsure, input payment information with your parents/guardian.