Three different admissions plans give you the flexibility to apply to Hopkins when you’re ready. Before deciding whether to apply Early Decision, we encourage you to research multiple schools, estimate your college cost, and get to know our community, students, and academic culture by attending our virtual or in-person events. If you’ve done your research and Hopkins is your top-choice college, Early Decision may be right for you.
No matter which plan you choose, you’ll receive the same financial aid offer and consideration for merit scholarships.
We break down the differences between Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision to help you decide which is right for you.
Early Decision I and Early Decision II are both binding agreements. You, your parent or legal guardian, and your secondary school counselor will be required to sign an agreement stating that you’ll enroll at Hopkins if admitted and withdraw any other applications to other schools. You can only apply Early Decision to one school at a time.
While Early Decision I and Early Decision II are almost identical, Early Decision II gives you more time to gather application materials, and there are some differences in when you’ll receive your decision and the possible outcomes:
Visit our Deadlines & Requirements page for a list of requirements.
Whether you apply Early Decision or Regular Decision, you’re eligible for the same types of need-based aid and merit scholarships.
Check here for answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, reach out to your admissions counselor directly.
No. Admission is only offered through the Early Decision and Regular Decision plans.
No. Because Early Decision I and II are binding agreements, students can only apply for Early Decision at one college at a time. “Binding agreement” means that if you are admitted to Hopkins in Early Decision I or II, you must withdraw all other outstanding applications and commit to enrolling at Hopkins.
Yes. However, since Early Decision I and II are binding agreements, if you’re admitted to both Hopkins in Early Decision I or II and another school through Early Action, you must enroll at Hopkins.
Choosing Early Decision won’t limit your financial aid options or consideration for need-based or merit scholarships. If you’re admitted Early Decision, you’ll receive your financial aid offer at the same time as your admissions decision. Learn more about applying for financial aid as an Early Decision applicant.
You can request a round change via a form in your applicant portal up to a week before decisions are released. If you have questions about your particular case, email us at applyhelp@jhu.edu.
Yes. In some cases, we may choose to defer an Early Decision I applicant to Regular Decision so that we can review their application in the context of our broader applicant pool. If your application is deferred, you’ll be notified at the time of decision release.
We do not defer Early Decision II applications.
Yes. In some cases, Early Decision II applicants may be waitlisted. If your application is waitlisted, you’ll be notified at the time of decision release.
Early Decision I applicants won’t be waitlisted but may be deferred to Regular Decision review.
No. If your Early Decision application is denied, you’re not eligible to reapply for Regular Decision. However, you may apply again during the next year’s admissions cycle.
You’ll be required to send mid-year reports when they are available. Additional materials are not required. However, you can update your application with additional letters of recommendation, an updated resume, standardized test scores (optional through the 2024–2025 application year), or a written statement of interest in Hopkins for review during the Regular Decision selection process. Send any additional materials to applyhelp@jhu.edu.
To accept your spot on the waitlist, all you need to do is complete the Waitlist Reply Form in your applicant portal. You can also learn more about our waitlist here.
Prepare your strongest application. Hear directly from our admissions team at a Q&A or application workshop, and get the answers you need to apply with confidence.
Our College Planning Guide has application tips videos, advice for your college search, and financial planning resources.
