They think that if they don't show an interest early on, they're not seen as committed. Or they will have a better chance at an Ivy League college if they go early decision. Fanning the flames, students and parents read headlines about prestigious universities sewing up 30 to 40 percent of their incoming class with early decision applicants. Panic sets in when they think that they're looking at fewer spots left. Don't rush into it.
Early decision is an excellent idea that comes with a warning.
It's not a good idea unless students have done a thorough college search and know without a shred of doubt that this is the college for them. Her concern is that many students are not mature enough to make a decision of that magnitude. High school juniors and seniors are, for the most part, in flux. An advocate of early decision, Rizoli feels that students who know where they want to go might as well take advantage of what early decision offers, but again, only if they have meticulously researched their options. Adding to the admonitions about early decision, Michael R. Heintze, Director of Admissions at Clemson University, notes that the choice of college is probably the first major decision a young person is asked to make.