Beginning fall of 2013, TCU will offer an Early Decision option in its application process. Early Decision is a binding application process used by recognized universities nationwide.

For TCU, Early Decision identifies students who consider the University as their first choice. Prime candidates for Early Decision include applicants who are prepared to make a contractual commitment to attend should the University offer them admission. Early Decision will be available to TCU’s class entering fall of 2014. Students may apply to only one school through an Early Decision plan.

SMU is now offering an Early Decision option as well. The admissions officials at each university discussed the new offering and will implement the new option at the same time.

“Our goal remains clear: Create a dynamic freshman class while treating every applicant with respect,” said Heath I. Einstein, director of freshman admission at TCU. “ This option improves the application process for both universities and their applicants alike.”

By allowing applicants to indicate a desire for a binding contract with their first choice college early in the application process, TCU can make admission decisions partially based on the high level of interest of the applicants. Early Decision applicants will receive notice that their decision has been released no later than Jan. 1 to allow appropriate time to apply elsewhere if necessary. The Early Decision application deadline is Nov. 1.

Unlike most colleges with Early Decision, both TCU and SMU will continue to offer an Early Action option, which will remain non-binding. Early Action provides students with a decision early in their senior year without requiring an immediate or binding decision from the applicant. The Early Action application deadline for both schools is also Nov. 1.

While Early Decision is a well-known option for the most selective schools throughout the East and West coast, it is lesser known in Texas. SMU and TCU join Rice University in Houston and Trinity University in San Antonio in offering this option to their applicants.

“As both SMU and TCU rise in academic profile and selectivity, students are eager to demonstrate their commitment to attend. These are very popular schools right now for high school seniors throughout the United States,” said SMU Dean of Undergraduate Admission Wes K. Waggoner.