Congratulations if you’ve received an Early Decision or Early Action acceptance this month! You’ve earned it and it’s a great sigh of relief that a school likes you – and you have a place to go post-graduation.
Now before you relax too much – read carefully the terms of their acceptance.
If you received an Early Decision acceptance, it is binding and you are obliged to enroll at the school, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Check the deadline when you formally confirm you’ll enroll and pay a deposit. You will also have to withdraw other college acceptances or applications as well.
If you received an Early Action acceptance, it is non-binding, so you can still entertain acceptances from other schools if you wish. Check the deadlines you will need to notify them of your decision to either enroll or decline their decision (usually May 1 for colleges and universities in the US).
In any case, however, please keep up your grades at your current school (if you are still attending school). Do not give in to “senioritis” or Senior Slump. All colleges and universities’ acceptance offers are conditional on maintaining your current level of scholastic standing and achievement; failing your current and future classes before graduation are grounds for the university or college to withdraw their offers.
Also, stay out of trouble. Colleges and universities have been known to also pull their acceptance offers from students who were found out for senior pranks (often involving property destruction or other poor actions) or inappropriate social media postings.
Enjoy your holiday and stay safe, prudent and wise!
