Starting in fall 2019, Boston College will offer an early decision option for undergraduate applicants. The program, in which high school students pledge to enroll in the University upon their acceptance, will replace the 37-year-old non-binding early action program. According to vice president of enrollment management John L. Mahoney Jr. ’79 “the popularity of the Common Application and the ease with which students can apply to college today has produced staggering application volume at competitive colleges.” Boston College, which accepts the Common Application, has a current freshman enrollment of 2,327. For the Class of 2023, the University received 35,556 applications, a record. Nearly 45 percent were early action, also a record.

Early decision improves students’ chances to enter “their top college choice,” says Mahoney. It will “allow us to attract the best students, knowing that we are their top choice.” Twenty-one of the top 40 colleges and universities ranked by U.S. News & World Report offer early decision. Applicants to the Class of 2024 will have their choice of two early decision deadlines: November 1 for an acceptance notification of December 15; and January 1 for a February 15 notification. The regular decision deadline will remain January 1, for an April 1 resolution.

—Zachary Jason

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