Students who have decided that Drew is their number one choice of university should apply through the Early Decision program. Early Decision is a binding agreement—if admitted and if the financial assistance provided makes it possible for you to afford Drew, you are obligated to withdraw other applications and to pay your enrollment deposit to Drew. You should only apply Early Decision to one school.

There are several advantages for students who apply Early Decision and for whom Drew is their first choice: your college search is concluded by mid-December; chances of admission are greater because Drew seeks to admit students who have identified Drew as their college of choice; students are considered for merit scholarships and need-based financial aid when these funding sources are at full capacity.

There are two Early Decision application options: The ED I deadline for applications is November 15. Applicants will be notified of their decision on or about December 15. Admitted ED 1 applicants must deposit by January 2. Students who decide later that Drew is their first choice college are urged to apply as ED II candidates. The application deadline, decision notification date and deposit due date for ED II are January 15, February 15, and March 1, respectively.

Students who apply Early Decision should complete the Early Decision Agreement which can be found as part of the Common Application.

Students who apply Early Decision to Drew and wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must complete the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by November 15 in order to receive an aid decision at the time of admission.

For students who have Drew high on their list and are eager to learn their admission decision, but aren’t quite ready to commit to the binding agreement that comes with Early Decision, Drew offers Early Action. Drew’s Early Action deadline is January 15.

If you are admitted as an Early Action candidate, you’ll receive your admission decision by February 15. This will provide you with an extra 4 weeks to communicate with current students and faculty, plan a visit and explore more deeply life in “The Forest.” You’ll also get early access the DREWniverse, our own private social network, allowing you to connect sooner with other admitted and current students.

Students who apply Early Action and wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 15 in order to receive an aid package at the time of admission. All applicants are automatically considered for Drew’s merit scholarships.

Drew’s application deadline for those students applying under our Regular Decision program is February 1, with notification by March 18 and a deposit due date by the National Candidate’s Reply Date of May 1. Students are automatically considered for Drew University academic merit scholarships.

A financial aid award will be included along with the letter of admission for students who submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the time of application.

Interested students should apply separately for Drew’s Civic Engagement Scholarship and Drew Scholarship in the Arts. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship awards upon admission to the University.

Drew will continue to consider regular decision applications after the deadline on a space-available basis.