Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision Options

If you are certain that Drexel University is your number one choice and you can't wait to make the commitment to become a Dragon, you should apply for Early Decision to get your experience underway as soon as possible! If Drexel is one of your top choices, but you're not sure that you're ready to make a binding commitment, Early Action would be the best option for you. Students applying to the BA/BS+MD Early Assurance program may only apply for Early Action or Regular Decision.

Review Application Deadlines

Early Decision (ED)

If you choose to apply for Early Decision, it means that you will apply early and receive an admission decision in mid-December. Early Decision applicants will receive one of three possible decisions: an offer of admission, deferral to Regular Decision, or denied admission. A few benefits of applying Early Decision are maximum financial aid and scholarships consideration, first-choice housing, and first-choice registration.

Early Decision is binding. This means that if you are offered admission, you must attend Drexel University and withdraw any applications submitted to other schools. You will be required to confirm your enrollment by January 15.

Early Action (EA)

If you choose to apply for Early Action, it means that you will apply early and receive an admission decision in mid-January. Early Action applicants will receive one of three possible decisions: an offer of admission, deferral to Regular Decision, or denied admission. Early Action applicants also have the added benefit of receiving priority for financial aid, scholarships, housing, and registration.

Early Action is non-binding and, if admitted, you have until the May 1 National Candidates' Reply Date to confirm your acceptance.

Regular Decision (RD)

If you choose to apply for Regular Decision, you will receive a non-binding decision from Drexel by April 1. Regular Decision applicants will receive one of three possible decisions: an offer of admission, placed on the waitlist, or denied admission. If admitted, you have until May 1 to confirm your acceptance.

Early Decision and Early Action FAQs

What are the advantages of applying Early Decision/Early Action?

The biggest advantage of applying Early Decision is that, if admitted, it allows you to conclude your college search early in your senior year. For students who are sure that Drexel is their first choice, it is an opportunity to demonstrate your strong interest in Drexel to the admissions committee. Early Decision applicants receive the added benefits of maximum financial aid and scholarships consideration, first-choice housing, and first-choice registration.

Early Action applicants have the benefits of receiving priority for financial aid, scholarships, housing, and registration.

Is it easier to get into Drexel if I apply Early Decision?

Colleges and universities tend to admit a higher percentage of their Early Decision applicants. The admissions committee will be using the same academic criteria to select candidates for our incoming class. Please remember that the decision to apply Early Decision should not be made based on the potential statistical advantage in the admissions process.

The most important consideration should be that you believe that Drexel is the best fit for you both academically and financially and that you are ready to make the commitment to enroll.

What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?

The main difference is that while Early Decision is a binding agreement, Early Action is not. Students can only submit one Early Decision application to one school. Additionally, students who apply Early Decision and are admitted must submit an enrollment deposit to that college or university several weeks after they receive their offer of admission. Students who are admitted through Early Action have until May 1 to submit an enrollment deposit and must withdraw applications to all other schools they have applied to.

Should I commit to Early Decision if financial aid is a factor for my family?

We are committed to considering Early Decision candidates for all forms of financial aid and no student will be disadvantaged from a financial aid standpoint. Early Decision is a good option for students who have done their research and know that Drexel is their top choice having considered other college options — personally, academically, financially, socially, and professionally.

While Drexel's Early Decision program is binding, if offered admission with a financial aid package that is not affordable for your family, Drexel will release you from this agreement. In this case, please note that we would withdraw your acceptance, and you will not be able to consider Drexel later in the process.

Applicants should ensure they complete all necessary financial aid applications by the Early Decision deadline to maximize their eligibility for funding. Read more about How to Apply for Aid.

If I am not admitted in Early Decision or Early Action, can I apply for Regular Decision?

There are three decisions you may receive as an Early Decision or Early Action candidate: accept, deferral to Regular Decision, or deny. If you are not offered admission during EA/ED, you cannot reapply as a first-year student for the same academic year.