Backing Out of Early Decision
Early Decision (ED) applications were due recently, and ED2 deadlines are just around the corner. If your student has their heart set on one college, we always recommend that they apply in the ED round (and in some instances, EA or Early Action). As you can see from our numerous posts on the topic (for example, here, here, and here), students have a much higher chance of acceptance when applying in the ED round.
As made clear in the ED round of applications, and as we have stated too many times to count, Early Decision is binding. But you might be wondering exactly what that means, or if there is any way to get out of the agreement.
Simply put, the binding agreement means that if your student is accepted in the ED round, they are required to attend the school and withdraw their applications from other schools. When applying during ED, the student signs a statement agreeing to this. Is this statement legally binding? No. Will the college take legal action against you or your student to force them to attend the college? No. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences to backing out of the agreement.
The most common consequence of backing out of binding ED is that other colleges that have accepted your student will rescind their offers if they find out. Colleges communicate with each other. They share lists. If your student backs out of their binding acceptance, a college will have no problem letting other colleges know. This is especially true if any or all colleges find out that you applied to multiple colleges in the ED round, which is forbidden (with some exceptions). It is considered bad faith. Importantly, your high school will know and not permit you to back out. If you go ahead and back out anyway without good reasons (see below), count on your high school notifying the other colleges.
One acceptable reason for reneging on your ED commitment: a lack of finances. It’s possible that your student’s financial aid package is insufficient to cover the cost of tuition and related expenses. Or it’s possible that your financial situation has changed making it impossible for your student to attend the ED college. In this instance, the college will understand. The college may offer more money and simply allow the student to back out of their ED commitment.
Another reason to renege on your ED commitment may be the death of a family member. However, in this case, most colleges would prefer that your student defer rather than completely backing out. But if your student simply cannot attend because of this reason, the college will not likely take action against them while they are grieving. But clearly, this is an extreme situation that will, hopefully, not apply to many students.
Other extenuating circumstances might permit a student to back out of their ED commitment. If you think you must back out of your ED commitment, it’s worth thinking through the strategies with your high school guidance counselor or with one of our experts who are adept at helping families navigate tricky admissions situations.
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