Early Decision Applicants
Are you convinced that Lafayette is the best fit for you? If so, consider submitting an Early Decision application.
Apply For Early Decision I by NOVEMBER 15!
Full consideration is given for both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid during Early Decision.
Early Decision I & Early Decision II
In addition to the requirements for all first-year applicants, students applying early decision should remember the following:
- Deadlines: The deadline to submit an application for Early Decision I is November 15. The deadline for Early Decision II is January 15. Students can convert a Regular Decision application, submitted by the January 15 deadline, to Early Decision II until February 1.
- Application: Be sure to mark the appropriate “Early Decision” box on page 1 of the Common Application form.
- Early Decision Agreement: The Early Decision Agreement can be completed electronically by all parties as part of the Common Application if the appropriate box was checked on page 1 of the Common Application. The Early Decision Agreement can also be downloaded and submitted as an attachment to admissions@lafayette.edu or faxed to 610-330-5355.
- SAT and ACT submission: For applicants applying for matriculation in the fall of 2025, submission of standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT) is optional. Any student who decides to change the status of their testing as part of the submitted application, please email admissions@lafayette.edu by the application deadline to indicate the change.
- Grade reports: Official grades must be received from your high school to complete your application so we can review it. For Early Decision I & Early Decision II candidates, this includes first marking period or first trimester grades from senior year.
- Financial Aid: If you are applying for financial aid, Early Decisions I applicants must submit the CSS Profile and all associated documents by November 15. Accepted students must complete the FAFSA by January 15. Early Decision II applicants must complete the CSS Profile, FAFSA, and all associated documents by January 15.
Notification of Admissions Decision
All decisions are released via the student’s Lafayette portal according to the following schedule:
- Early Decision I in mid-December
- Early Decision II in mid-February
Students with a US mailing address that have been accepted to the College will receive an acceptance letter via US Mail. Applicants will receive one of three decisions: accept, deny, defer. Defer means that we would like to see your application in the larger context of a complete application pool. Therefore, a defer decision means you are not admitted Early Decision, but you are considered as a Regular Decision applicant, and you will receive your admission decision near the end of March. If you receive a decision of deny, you may not apply Early Decision II or Regular Decision.
Applicants admitted under Early Decision I or Early Decision II must withdraw applications to other institutions when they accept the College’s offer of early admission.