Applying Early Decision to Loyola
If Loyola is your number one choice and you have a strong academic record at the start of your senior year, we encourage you to consider applying through Early Decision! Both Early Decision I and Early Decision II are binding. If you are accepted through Early Decision to Loyola, you must withdraw applications to other institutions and enroll at Loyola. Due to the binding nature of Early Decision, you are not permitted to apply to other binding Early Decision programs. You can apply to non-restrictive Early Action programs at other institutions.
If Loyola is one of your top choices but you want to hear back from other schools (or want to weigh other financial aid offers), you should consider Early Action. If you apply Early Decision, you will receive the same consideration for merit-based scholarships and the same need-based financial aid package you would receive as an Early Action or Regular Decision applicant.
Benefits of applying Early Decision
- Early Decision applicants are part of a much smaller pool of candidates. Your application is reviewed among hundreds of applicants through Early Decision instead of among thousands during Early Action and Regular Decision review.
- You’ll complete your college search months ahead of other applicants. When you receive your admission decision and merit-based scholarship in December, you’ll be months ahead of other applicants who are still waiting to see where they’ve been accepted.
- You’ll be the first to receive your merit-based scholarship and need-based financial aid package. You’ll be the first students in the class to receive your merit scholarship and financial aid award. Students who meet the financial aid deadline will be notified of their financial aid award at the time of admission. You’ll receive the same need-based financial aid package you would receive as an Early Action or Regular Decision applicant.
- Have a stress-free senior year! You’ll be done with the college search early so you can enjoy the final months of high school with your friends, knowing that you're already committed to your top choice school!
Early Decision Timeline
As an Early Decision applicant, in addition to submitting the Common Application and required credentials, you must complete and submit the Common Application Early Decision Agreement form. This will be signed by you, your parent/guardian, and your school counselor.
Early Decision I
- Application Deadline: November 15
- Notification: Late December
- Deposit Due: January 15
Early Decision II
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Notification: Early March
- Deposit Due: March 15
What are the possible Early Decision outcomes/decisions?
When you apply Early Decision to Loyola, you may expect one of three outcomes: Admit, Defer/Wait List, or Deny.
Admit
If you are accepted for the upcoming fall term, you are expected to withdraw your applications from all other schools and enroll at Loyola University Maryland.
Defer or Wait List
Early Decision I applicants may be deferred to the Regular Decision applicant pool. Early Decision II applicants may be placed on the Wait List.
Deny
A deny through Early Decision is a final decision, and students are not eligible to reapply in the same year. Students may reapply for the following spring or fall term as a first-year applicant or transfer student.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA)?
Early decision is a binding agreement, meaning if you apply to Loyola Early Decision, you are committing to attend if accepted to the university. You should only apply to one college Early Decision and once you receive your acceptance, cancel any other applications you have submitted. Early Action is non-binding, meaning you are free to apply to other colleges and receive their admission decisions before selecting the school you will attend.
Is Early Decision really binding?
Yes. Loyola takes Early Decision seriously, and we hope you do too. This means if you apply Early Decision and are admitted to Loyola, you agree to withdraw all other college applications and commit to attending Loyola by submitting your enrollment deposit. If your financial aid offer does not meet enough of your demonstrated financial need, only then can you request to be released from your Early Decision agreement.
Can I apply Early Decision at another school and Early Decision I or II at Loyola?
If you are applying Early Decision I to Loyola, you are not permitted to apply Early Decision to other institutions. You can apply Early Decision to other schools and if not accepted, can then apply Early Decision II to Loyola. "Binding agreement" means that if you are accepted to Loyola in Early Decision I or II, you must withdraw all other outstanding applications and commit to enrolling at Loyola by the stated deadlines.
Can I apply Early Action at another school and Early Decision I or II at Loyola?
Yes. However, since Early Decision I and II are binding agreements, if you’re admitted to both Loyola in Early Decision I or II and another school through Early Action, you must enroll at Loyola.
Do my senior year grades still matter?
Yes, your senior year grades still matter. If you apply Early Decision II, your senior grades will be considered with your application for admission. Also, the Office of Admission reviews all students final high school transcripts and expects accepted students to maintain their grades throughout senior year.
If I want to apply with test scores as a part of my application, when is the deadline to submit my scores?
Since Loyola is test optional for admission, test scores are not a required component of the first-year application. If you would like to include test scores for review in your application and are applying Early Decision, testing must be completed by the last October test date to ensure receipt of scores.
Will I receive a better need-based financial aid package if I apply Early Decision?
No. You’ll receive the same need-based financial aid package you would receive as an Early Action or Regular Decision applicant. Please keep in mind that you won’t be able to compare financial aid packages from other schools if you apply Early Decision. Do not feel pressure to apply early decision if finances are a concern.
Will I receive a higher scholarship if I apply Early Decision?
No. You’ll receive the same consideration for merit-based scholarships as Early Action and Regular Decision applicants.
What if I can’t complete my application on time?
You can request a decision plan change before decisions are released. To make a request to change your decision plan, contact admission@loyola.edu.
What additional documents are required?
As an Early Decision applicant, in addition to submitting the Common Application and required credentials, you must complete and submit the Common Application Early Decision Agreement form. This will be signed by you, your parent/guardian, and your school counselor.
What happens if I can’t afford Loyola after I get accepted Early Decision?
If your financial aid package is insufficient, you should contact the Office of Financial Aid directly to ensure that your application was not missing any information which might have affected your package. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you to re-evaluate your package. If the package, after reconsideration, is truly unaffordable for your family, then you will be permitted to request a release from your binding Early Decision obligation to Loyola.
Should I apply Early Decision if I have committed to play a Division I sport before submitting the application?
You are not required to apply ED if you have committed to playing a sport. However, if you know that Loyola is absolutely the only school for you and finances are not an issue you should apply ED.