Early Decision: Your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Journey Starts Now
When you know, you know.
You've walked the historic brick pathways. You've felt the cool ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø sea-breeze and the energetic pulse of a dynamic and innovative city. You've imagined yourself studying under centuries-old oak trees and building lifelong friendships in the heart of one of America's most treasured cities.
Deep down, you already know: the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is your home.
Make It Official: Choose Early Decision
Early Decision is more than just an application option—it's a declaration of your passion for becoming part of the Cougar family. It's for students who have fallen in love with our unique blend of rigorous academics, legendary campus life, and the dynamic ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø experience.
Your Early Path to Becoming a Cougar
When you choose Early Decision at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, you're prioritizing your future and claiming your place in our community. This binding application signals your commitment to joining us if accepted, allowing you to:
- End the waiting game - Receive your admission decision by mid-December and begin planning your college journey while others are still anxiously waiting.
- Stand out in the admission process - Demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication to becoming part of our historic institution.
- Secure your spot early - Join a select group of passionate future Cougars who have made the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø their top choice.
- Receive Full Scholarship Consideration - Maximize your eligibility for merit-based and need-based awards. Although need-based aid and specialty scholarship awards are released in March, you won't miss out on scholarship opportunities by applying Early Decision.
- Embrace Your Moment of Achievement - Realize your dream and begin preparing for the world of opportunities awaiting you at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
Your Timeline to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø
Submit your completed application by November 1 (Early Decision 1) or January 15 (Early Decision 2), and you'll hear from us by mid-December. All supplementary materials—transcripts, test scores (optional), and signed Early Decision Agreement — must be received by the application deadline to ensure your prompt decision.
- (Deadline: Nov. 1, 2025)
- (Deadline: Jan. 15, 2026)
Your Commitment to the College
Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning if you're admitted, you'll withdraw applications from other institutions and enroll at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. This sincere commitment reflects your certainty that CofC is where you belong.
While Early Decision applicants focus primarily on the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, you may submit applications to other institutions with the understanding that you'll withdraw them upon acceptance to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. This differs from Early Action, which is non-binding and allows students to compare multiple offers.
Your Honors College Opportunity
Early Decision applicants can opt in to receive full consideration for our prestigious Honors College. Your single application opens doors to both the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and this exceptional academic community.
Your Next Steps After Acceptance
When you receive your acceptance letter, it's time to celebrate! You'll need to:
- Submit your enrollment deposit by January 5 (Early Decision 1) or March 15 (Early Decision 2)
- Withdraw all other college applications
- Begin preparing for your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø experience
Your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Experience Awaits
Every year, students who choose Early Decision describe the excitement of securing their future at their dream school. They speak of the joy in knowing where they belong, the freedom from months of uncertainty, and the head start in building connections with fellow Cougars.
Don't just apply to college—commit to your future. If the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø feels like home, Early Decision is your priority path to joining our Cougar family.
Let's make it official.
Early Decision. Lifetime Connection.
From campus tours to move-in day, you've always been there. Early Decision isn't just your student's commitment, it's a celebration of finding the perfect college home. Help secure their future at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and start making those plans for Parents Weekend.
Early Decision FAQ
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What is Early Decision?
Early Decision applicants make a binding commitment to enroll at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø if admitted.
When you apply Early Decision, you agree to the following if admitted:- Decline any acceptances to institutions other than the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
- Withdraw applications from all other institutions.
- Submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit by the Early Decision deadline.
- Early Decision I Deposit Deadline: January 5, 2026
- Early Decision 2 Deposit Deadline: March 15, 2026
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Who should apply Early Decision?
You should select the Early Decision option only if you have identified the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø as your first choice, agree to enroll after acceptance and are not considering scholarships and financial aid as a primary factor in your decision.
By applying Early Decision, you are making a binding commitment to enroll at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
While you will be evaluated for scholarships with your admission application (and those awards will be communicated with an acceptance letter), need-based aid and specialty scholarship awards are not released until March. If finances are a strong driver in the decision to enroll, we advise not applying Early Decision.
If you're considering Early Decision, you should discuss this application plan with both your family and your school counselor. Both signatures are a required part of the Early Decision Agreement.
Transfer applicants, students considering a gap-year and applicants who have already graduated from high school are not eligible to apply Early Decision.
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What are the benefits of applying Early Decision?
The college application process can be stressful. As an Early Decision applicant, you will receive some peace of mind benefits:
- Be one of the first to receive your admissions decision
- Receive a decision in advance of Early Action or Regular Decision.
- Reduce stress by cutting time spent awaiting a decision.
- Save time and expense of submitting multiple applications.
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When will I receive my decision
Early Decision applicants receive their decisions in advance of other decision types, granting you a head start to plan and prepare for your college journey.
Check "Important Dates and Deadlines" for more information on when to expect your decision.
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When do I have to submit all supplementary materials?
You will need to submit the following on or before the published Early Decision deadline.
- All high school transcripts
- Signed Early Decision Agreement
- (Deadline: Nov. 1, 2025)
- (Deadline: Jan. 15, 2026)
- Test scores (should you choose to submit them)
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Can I apply to other institutions?
You may apply to other schools, but you may only apply to one school through a binding Early Decision process.
If you're accepted for Early Decision, you agree to withdraw any applications from all other colleges and submit a nonrefundable deposit.
Check your admissions portal for details.
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What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?
Early Decision: If you are admitted through Early Decision, you'll make a binding commitment to enroll at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø by the deadline.
Application materials for Early Decision candidates must be submitted on or before by the deadline.
Early Action: The Early Action deadline is non-binding and provides applicants with their admission decision prior to the regular decision date.To be considered, the application and supplementary materials must be submitted by the deadline.
Check Application Deadlines -
Can I still apply to Honors?
Yes. Visit the honors website to learn more about admission into the Honors College.
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What happens if I'm admitted?
By applying Early Decision, you are agreeing to the following if admitted:
- Decline any acceptances to institutions other than the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
- Withdraw applications from all other institutions.
- Submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit by the Early Decision deadline.