Early Decision

Applying Early Decision to Clark

Each year, many Clark applicants choose to apply early decision. It’s one of three ways incoming first-year students can choose to submit their application, and we’re here to break down the benefits and tradeoffs of this early, binding admissions plan. Ultimately, when and how you apply to Clark is your choice, and we’re excited to read your application.

Early decision FINANCIAL AID POLICY

Clark guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated need for all early decision I and II applicants. To qualify, we must receive your financial aid application materials by the admissions deadline. All accepted students will receive a preliminary financial aid award with their admission decision. 

What is Early Decision at Clark?

Early Decision (ED) is a binding agreement you make with Clark. By applying ED, you are indicating that Clark is your top choice. If you are admitted, you are asked to withdraw applications from other schools and enroll at Clark early. To qualify for ED, your school counselor, a parent or guardian, and you must sign and submit the ED Agreement form along with your application. You must also apply by one of our two ED deadlines: Nov. 1 and Jan. 15.

Benefits of Early Decision

• We meet 100% of demonstrated need for all ED applicants.
• Your application is read first, before our early action and regular decision applicants in each respective deadline.
• You show us you want to be here — and we value that interest. By applying ED, you are telling us that you want to be part of our community. That interest is important to your success at Clark, so we take it very seriously.
• You hear back from us sooner. Early Decision I applicants can expect to hear back before the end of December, and Early Decision II applicants can expect to hear back before the end of February.
• You know where you’re going to college. Because you hear back from Clark so quickly, and because you enroll right away, you have an answer to the question, “Where are you going to school next year?”
• You are done with the college search process. No need to stress about the May 1 Decision Day — you’re already a Clarkie!
• You have more time to meet your future peers. Join our admitted student social media groups, attend visit days, and start connecting with your future classmates, hall mates, and teammates in January and February.

Tradeoffs of Early Decision

• You won’t be able to compare offers of admission from other colleges. If you are considering Clark strongly among several institutions but have not identified us as your top choice, we do not recommend applying early decision, instead, consider Early Action, which is non-binding.
• You can only pick one ED school. By signing the ED Agreement form, you are committing to apply to only to one school for early decision. This is why your school counselor co-signs the agreement — they keep you accountable to the agreement you are making with Clark.

What are the financial aid requirements for early decision and early action applicants?

Early Decision: When applying Early Decision I/II, you must complete your application for financial aid, including the FASFA and the CSS Profile, by November 1 for Early Decision I and by January 15 for Early Decision II. Early estimates of need-based financial aid will be released at the time of your admissions decision; Clark also will let you know if you have received any merit aid. 

Early Action: If you are applying Early Action, and you are interested in being considered for need-based financial aid, you will need to fill out the FASFA and the CSS Profile by November 1. 

Can I defer my enrollment if I am admitted Early Decision I/II or Early Action?

If you’d like to postpone your enrollment, you must submit a request in writing by May 1. Postponements may be up to a year. A nonrefundable deposit (credited toward first-semester charges) is required. If you enroll in another degree-seeking program in the interim, you may not defer enrollment but must instead reactivate your application and submit official transcripts for review.

What if I am not admitted Early Decision I or Early Action?

You may be deferred to the Regular Decision admission pool if the Admissions Committee expects that your application will improve during the extra time. In such cases, we welcome any additional information such as senior grades, additional standardized test scores, or recommendations.