Early Decision
Usually requires a total commitment on your part to attend one particular college. In many cases, in return for an early decision acceptance, you will be expected to attend that college regardless of decisions in your favor by other colleges. Those colleges which offer Early Decision take this choice very seriously and consider the decision to be binding. Consequently, it would be wise to carefully review the obligations that go with participation in such admissions programs.
Allows a student to apply to a top choice school and receive a decision early, usually by December 15. It differs from early decision in that it is NOT binding.