Early Decision is a binding application plan for students who view Carnegie Mellon as their first choice university. This means if you're admitted through Early Decision, you're committed to attending Carnegie Mellon and must withdraw any applications you may have submitted to other institutions.
Early Decision
Deadline: November 1
Notified by: December 15
Enroll by: February 1
Early Decision is not available for acting, directing, dramaturgy, music theater, BXA Design programs or the School of Music.
Early Decision Instructions and Information
- If you’re admitted to Carnegie Mellon, you’re expected to enroll.
- You should not apply for Early Decision if you have a pending Early Decision application with another college or university.
- You must agree to withdraw applications previously submitted to other institutions, in any country, when notified of Early Decision acceptance at Carnegie Mellon. To do this, please complete and submit theÌýÌý along with the rest of your application.
- You can apply to only one college within the university.
- Three decisions can be given: admit, deny or defer to Regular Decision.
- You're not able to reapply under Regular Decision if you're denied under Early Decision.
- Please note that this application plan eliminates your ability to compare formal financial aid offers between Carnegie Mellon and other universities you may have applied to. You can get an estimate of your Carnegie Mellon financial aid offer by utilizing our Net Price Calculator.
Note about November standardized tests for Early Decision applicants:
If you'd like us to consider test scores, it's strongly preferred that Early Decision applicants complete all standardized testing by November 1. If there are circumstances that have led you to take a test after November 1, but still in the month of November, make sure you've indicated the future test you're taking on the Common Application. The Office of Admission will do our best to wait until these scores arrive before making an admission decision; however, this will cause a delay in the review of your application. December testing is too late for Early Decision consideration.