Early Decision Applicants
If Wesleyan is your top choice and you’re ready to commit if admitted, Early Decision may be the application plan for you.
When you apply Early Decision, you're letting us know that Wesleyan is where you truly want to be, and that you're excited to say yes if admitted. It also means we can begin shaping our next incredible class of Cardinals, with you in it.
Early Decision can offer peace of mind: more time to enjoy your senior year, and a head start on your transition to life at Wesleyan. It’s a way to simplify your college process and move forward with confidence, knowing your next step is already in motion.
Important Dates
| Application Plan | Application Deadline | Financial Aid Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | November 15 | Mid-December |
| Early Decision II | January 1 | January 1 | Mid-February |
Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
Here’s how to decide which path is right for you:
- Choose Early Decision if Wesleyan is your top choice and you’re ready to commit. Early Decision is binding, meaning if you’re admitted, you agree to enroll and withdraw applications from other schools.
- Choose Regular Decision if you're still comparing colleges or financial aid offers. Regular Decision is non-binding, and you'll receive your decision in late March.
Regardless of when you apply, you'll receive a comprehensive and holistic review.
Start Your Application
The Early Decision Agreement
If you are applying Early Decision to an institution, your signed Early Decision Agreement must be received by the Early Decision application deadline. The agreement certifies that Wesleyan is your first choice and that you agree to accept Wesleyan's offer of admission if extended. You also agree to withdraw applications submitted to other colleges and not to initiate any new applications.
To complete and submit the Common Application online, you must first select the Early Decision term option for one school. Once you indicate this decision, the Early Decision Agreement will be available in the Supplements section of your Common Application account. To complete the agreement:
- You must read and sign the agreement from within your Common Application account; a parent/guardian signature is also required. You must then notify your counselor that you are applying for Early Decision.
- Your counselor must log in to their Common App School Forms account to read, sign, and submit the agreement if they’ve agreed to complete school forms online. If your counselor is not completing the school forms online, you must print the Early Decision Agreement (PDF) (also available in the forms section of Common App) and give it to your counselor to send directly to the institution. Please note that the counselor is responsible for the submission of the agreement once you’ve completed it.
A Note for International Students
International citizens not applying for financial aid are welcome to apply in either Early Decision round.
International citizens seeking financial aid may not apply Early Decision. If you are competitive for admission, you’ll be automatically deferred to the Regular Decision round for consideration.
Check Your Application with WesCheck
Application decisions for Wesleyan University will be accessible through WesCheck, our dedicated applicant portal. Once online decisions are officially released, applicants will receive an email notification prompting them to log in and check their status.
Affordability and Aid
We believe that a world-class education should be accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. Our comprehensive financial aid packages are designed to support prospective students and their families in making informed decisions about financing their education.
