With early decision (ED) deadlines just behind us, and seniors beginning the long wait for December results, the annual wave of stress and uncertainty has settled for the class of 2026. For many, ED begins the first major step of the college admissions process. A process that can boost acceptance odds but also demands an early commitment (also known as binding). In order to understand what this period of time truly feels like on a more personal level, I interviewed Brooke Bezoza and Jahdiel Mattis about their ED experiences and advice they want younger high schoolers to know about the college process.
For Mattis, the choice to apply ED was solely rooted in strategy: applying ED can lead to higher acceptance odds and a chance to demonstrate strong interest. Early Decision is a binding application plan. Students who apply ED commit to attending the college if accepted. This is a binding agreement, meaning if accepted, the student must withdraw all other college applications and commit to attending the ED school. This also means that students can only apply ED to one school, though they may apply to other schools under non-binding plans, also known as Regular Decision.
Bezoza, however, applied REA (Restrictive Early Action) because her top choice didn’t offer an ED option. REA is a non-binding application plan similar to EA but with additional restrictions. Students applying REA to one school cannot apply ED or EA to any other private institutions, though they may apply to public universities. The benefits of REA are that it is a non-binding option, meaning students do not have to commit if accepted. EA Students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1, it is also non-binding. Although ED or REA boost your acceptance odds, both emphasized that the ED school you pick should be more than just strategy. “It wasn’t about what others were doing,” said Bezoza. “It was about the odds.” Both agreed that statistics matter, but in the end, personal fit should lead the decision. Mattis said, “You have to choose based on the vibe. Pick a school you’d actually be happy at, not just one with the biggest name.”
The college process is known for its intensity; both seniors described it as a mix of stress and anticipation. Bezoza explained that one of her biggest fears was losing the advantage associated with ED applying REA. She said, “It felt like I was losing odds at schools I really cared about.” For Mattis, the pressure came from the commitment to the school. Knowing that you have to be comfortable with your choice and knowing that you’re stuck with it when admitted.
Waiting for decisions brought a second level of pressure. Bezoza described the long wait as “horribly stressful. Especially while simultaneously preparing dozens of other regular decision applications.” Mattis related the wait to “the Game” , a popular mind game. When you think about it, you lose, but it isn’t always at the forefront of your mind.
Both seniors want juniors to know that ED shouldn’t be a quick decision. They emphasized that touring schools is essential to understanding whether you can truly see yourself at a school and know it’s right. Mattis said, “You don’t know a school is right until you’re physically there. You will know when something feels right. There’s a certain feeling.” Beyond touring schools, they emphasized the importance of balancing work and not allowing the thought of college and the admissions process to take over your life. “Keep your life going. Outside of school and outside of the application world, ”said Bezoza.
Their advice for underclassmen is to try your best without the consistent thought of impressing colleges. Bezoza said, “Don’t take a class that you don’t enjoy or can’t succeed at just because they’ll look good. Do things that you enjoy and can strive in. Have a life outside of Fieldston.”
When I asked whether the ED process is right for everyone, both students agreed that it depends on the person. For people who clearly have a top choice that they have fallen in love with, ED can feel more empowering. But for others, this binding commitment, along with financial limitations, such as not receiving a financial aid package that is affordable, can create different pressures. Additionally, the financial burden raises questions about equity within this type of admission. Bezoza made a point that the ED process favors the students with access to a lot of resources and information, and may not be a system available to everyone.
Despite the stress of this process, both students want everyone to know that anyone who tries will end up at a good school. Everyone’s path looks different, and success isn’t defined by the name of the college you attend, but the effort you put into your own path.
