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Undergraduate Admission

Early Action and Early Decision

Choosing the option that is right for you

Students applying for freshman admission are offered the choice of applying Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. Below you can learn about the differences between Early Decision and Early Action admission to Pace, and which one will work best for you.

Early Decision

For Students Who Know Where They Want to Be

If you already know Pace is where you want to go, Early Decision might be your best path forward. November 1 is the Early Decision Application deadline.

Early Decision is a binding application plan for students who鈥檝e made Pace their top choice and are ready to commit鈥攚ithout comparing financial aid offers from other schools. You can only apply Early Decision to one school, but you can still apply to others through regular decision.

Here鈥檚 what you need to know:

  • It鈥檚 binding. If you apply Early Decision, are admitted, and are comfortable with your financial aid offer, you agree to enroll at Pace and must withdraw any other college applications.
  • You鈥檙e not stuck. If you鈥檙e not accepted under Early Decision, your application automatically moves to Regular Decision review鈥攏o penalties, no bias, and no stress.
  • Sands College students, take note. Early Decision is an option for all Sands College of Performing Arts majors, but you must complete your in-person audition or interview by December 1. The first step? Submit a digital audition or portfolio so you can be invited to an on-campus or regional audition/interview. Want the full scoop on applying to the Sands College of Performing Arts? Visit the Sands College of Performing Art's website for all the details.
  • To apply Early Decision. When you apply, you鈥檒l submit an Early Decision Agreement form (PDF). The form must be signed by you, a parent or guardian, and your high school counselor. It breaks down everything you need to know.

Why Apply Early Decision to Pace?

Here are just some of the reasons you should apply Early Decision to 91社区:

  • Less Stress.
    Apply by November 1 and get your admission decision (and merit award, if accepted) by Thanksgiving. That鈥檚 one huge thing off your plate.
  • Less Competition.
    You鈥檒l be part of a smaller applicant pool鈥攚hich can be a big plus, especially for competitive majors like nursing.
  • More Scholarship Opportunities.
    Early Decision applicants are considered for special scholarships that could make Pace even more affordable.
  • Better Housing.
    Get priority for housing on both campuses鈥攜ou鈥檒l get first pick at on-campus housing.
  • Personalized Support.
    Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams will guide you every step of the way鈥攍ike your own college concierge.

Early Action

Application deadline for Early Action 1 is November 15 and Early Action 2 is December 1

  • Applying under the Early Action plan is ideal for students for whom 91社区 is one of their top choice schools and who also want an admission decision earlier than the Regular Decision process. Early Action is not binding, so students can apply to other schools and compare financial aid packages.
  • Applying Early Action allows you to receive an admission decision earlier than Regular Decision students and have the option to consider multiple college offers.
  • If you are not accepted to Pace under Early Action, your application will be reviewed, without any bias, as part of our Regular Decision process.

Housing Preferences

Your building placement will be based on the preferences you enter when you complete your housing application, and can be impacted by any roommate(s) requests you make. Changing your indicated preferences, or failing to enter your preference correctly, will impact your placement. Requesting a roommate who indicates a different building preference than you, or one who applied later than you (and therefore is not guaranteed their preferred building and/or (Pleasantville only) FIG placement) may result in you not being placed according to your preferences.

Regular Decision

Admission Decision Notification: Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis after the application deadline.

Please note: Your application for admission also serves as your application for a Pace Merit Scholarship Award.