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Early Decision & Early Action/ Priority Consideration

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Ramapo College of New Jersey Offers Early Decision and Early Action/Priority Consideration to its Freshman Applicants.

Early Decision and Early Action/Priority Consideration Options:

Students applying for freshman admission are offered the choice of applying for Early Decision, Early Action/Priority Consideration or Regular Decision.

Early Decision (ED)

If you are certain that Ramapo College is your first-choice college and are ready to make a commitment, you may apply for Early Decision. Applying Early Decision means that you will apply early and receive an admission decision sooner than the Regular Decision applicant pool. Early Decision applicants will receive one of two possible decisions: an offer of admission or deferral to Regular Decision (for your first-choice major).

Early Decision is binding. This means that if you are offered admission, you must attend Ramapo College and withdraw any applications submitted to other schools.

The deadline to apply Early Decision and submit all credentials and supporting documents (transcript(s), standardized test scores, recommendation letters) is November 1. You will be notified by email of our decision on December 5.

Benefits for Applying Early Decision:

Reduce stress by cutting the time spent waiting for a decision.
Save the time and expense of submitting multiple applications.
Gain more time, once accepted, to look for housing and otherwise prepare for college.
Expedite the admissions and financial aid processes and know that you have secured a seat at an excellent college during your Senior year

Early Action (EA) & Priority Consideration

If you choose to apply for Early Action, it means that you will apply early and receive an admission decision sooner than the Regular Decision applicant pool. Early Action applicants will receive one of two possible decisions: an offer of admission or deferral to Regular Decision (for your first-choice major).

Early Action is non-binding. This means that if you are offered admission, you can decide whether or not you want to attend Ramapo College by May 1.

In addition to Early Action, we also have have priority consideration for our Nursing and Biology programs, as well as merit-based scholarships. The deadline to apply Early Action and Priority Consideration is December 15. Please note that you must submit all credentials and supporting documents (transcript(s), standardized test scores, recommendation letters) by January 15. You will be notified of our decision by email on February 1.

Benefits for Applying Early Action:

Receive a decision before most students
This is non-binding decision so other options can be considered
Get a head start on the Ramapo experience.

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When to Apply | Admissions & Financial Aid Deadlines

	Admissions Application Deadline	Financial Aid: File FAFSA	Notification of Admission Decision	Enrollment Deadline
Early Decision	November 1	March 15	December 5	February 1
Early Action	December 15	March 15	February 1	May 1
Regular Decision	February 1	March 15	March 1	May 1

Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Decision

Benefits	Early Decision	Early Action	Regular Decision
App Deadline	November 1	December 15	February 1
Decision Released	December 5	February 1	March 1
Scholarship Eligibility	✓	✓	✓
Binding Decision	✓
Finance Plan Release	3 weeks after decision posts	3 weeks after decision posts	3 weeks after decision posts
Interview Option	✓
Time period to submit deposit	About 7 weeks	About 12 weeks	About 4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Apply Early Decision?

If Ramapo College is your top choice school and you know that you do not want to go anywhere else, then you should apply Early Decision.

What is the Difference Between Early Decision and Early Action?

The main difference is that while Early Decision (ED) is a binding agreement, Early Action (EA) is not. Students can only submit one ED application to one school. Additionally, students who apply to the ED program and are admitted must submit an enrollment deposit to that college or university several weeks after they receive their offer of admission. Students who are admitted through the EA program have until May 1 to submit an enrollment deposit.

Who Can Apply Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration?

All freshmen applicants can apply Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration, including EOF and International applicants. All majors are eligible.

How Does Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration Affect Scholarships?

All Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration applicants will automatically be reviewed for scholarship. Applying Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration does NOT negatively impact scholarship awards. If students are awarded a scholarship, they will receive notification with their decision letter.

How Does Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration Affect Financial Aid?

Early Decision and Early Action/Priority Consideration applicants should file their FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. Award Letters for Early Decision and Early Action/Priority Consideration applicants will be sent as soon as possible.

Is Ramapo College Test Optional?

Ramapo College is test-optional for all programs, except our Articulation Programs (Biology/Dental-LECOM, Biology/Optometry-SUNY Optometry, Biology/Osteopathy-LECOM, Biology/Pharmacy-LECOM, Biology/Pharmacy-Touro College, Biology/Rutgers – Physical Therapy 3+3, Law & Society- Seton Hall Law School and Political Science- Seton Hall Law School). If you choose to submit an SAT or ACT score, please indicate that on your application. If you choose not to submit, we will review your application holistically using other documents and submitted materials.

Do Students Who Apply Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration Receive Preferential Treatment?

Students who apply Early Decision or Early Action/Priority Consideration will be reviewed using the same criteria as students who apply Regular Decision. However, the high level of interest displayed by students applying Early Decision will be noted by the Admissions Committee.

How Can I Request an Interview?

If you are a high school senior, we encourage you to schedule an interview as part of your Early Decision Application to Ramapo College. Interviews are not required, but are recommended if you want an opportunity to tell us more about yourself and why you would make a great Roadunner. You may schedule an Admissions Interview directly with your Admissions Counselor and we will be happy to meet with you.

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