About Early Decision
Early Decision Options
Early Decision is an application program designed for students who believe Washington and Lee is their top choice for college. EDI and EDII are both "binding" options; if admitted, students are required to enroll at W&L and withdraw applications from other schools.
Early Decision (ED) applicants to W&L may apply under one of two programs:
- Early Decision I (application deadline: November 1)
- Early Decision II (application deadline: January 1)
The only difference between EDI and EDII is the deadline. The same selection criteria are used for both programs, both are binding, and both expect that an applicant will enroll if admitted.
Early Decision Agreement
Candidates for either ED program agree that they will enroll at W&L if admitted. Early Decision candidates may file Regular Decision applications at other colleges, but only with the understanding that if they are admitted to W&L under Early Decision, any other applications will be withdrawn, and no new applications will be initiated.
It is a violation of the Early Decision Agreement to file an Early Decision application at two separate institutions simultaneously.
Responsibility for understanding and complying with the rules of Early Decision rests with the candidate. Should an ED candidate violate the provisions of the program, Washington and Lee University may withdraw its offer of admission and financial aid.
Common Questions
- A completed Common, Coalition, or QuestBridge Application
- A signed Early Decision Agreement
- An official copy of your high school transcript
- Two teacher recommendations
- One letter of recommendation from your guidance or college counselor
- A secondary school report form completed by your guidance or college counselor
- OPTIONAL: Self-reported or official scores from the ACT or SAT
Some applicants may qualify to have their Common Application or Coalition Application fee waived. To determine eligibility, request a fee waiver.
Students who meet the Early Decision financial aid deadlines and are found to have financial need will receive financial aid awards when they are admitted.
To get an estimate of your expected cost to attend W&L, we recommended using our financial aid estimating tools prior to submitting your Early Decision application.
Our Office of Financial Aid offers early need-based aid evaluations for students considering Early Decision, as well as one-on-one consultations for any applicant. To schedule an appointment, visit go.wlu.edu/aid-meeting.
Your scholarship application deadline is supplemental to your Early Decision admissions application. Whether applying EDI or EDII, we must receive both your completed scholarship application and your completed Common App, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application by December 1.
The Johnson Scholarship selection event does not take place until after the Early Decision deadline. If your enrollment at W&L depends on being awarded a Johnson Scholarship, then you should not apply under our binding Early Decision options.