Mawr Insight: Applying Early Decision

Your Early Decision questions, answered:

How can I estimate my Bryn Mawr cost before applying Early Decision?

Since Early Decision is binding, cost should be part of the conversation before you apply. 

There are three ways to get started: 

• MyinTuition: This tool asks a few basic financial questions to give you a ballpark of the amount your family would need to contribute at Bryn Mawr. 
• Net Price Calculator: The Net Price Calculator takes a deeper dive, so we recommend setting aside an hour. 
• Early Decision financial aid estimate: Seriously considering Early Decision? Our ED estimate process can give you a closer look at your potential need-based aid before you make a binding commitment. You’ll complete this process after you’ve submitted your admissions application. Contact your Admissions Counselor for more information. 

Bryn Mawr meets 100% of calculated financial need for admitted students.

How do I know if Early Decision is right for me?

There are many moments that can lead to that “gut feeling.” There isn’t one way to know. For some students, it happens on a campus visit. For others, it comes after more research, virtual events, or comparing Bryn Mawr with other colleges. 

For Lucy Dellera ’28, it was discovering a women-centered college where she could pursue STEM and feel confident that her ideas would be taken seriously. The more she learned about Bryn Mawr, the more it felt like the place she had been looking for. 

Basketball first brought Sydney Gelhar ’29 to campus. After getting to know the team and visiting twice, she realized she couldn’t picture herself anywhere else. 

International student Ulviya Choban ’29 couldn’t visit in person. Instead, virtual events and conversations and plenty of research gradually moved Bryn Mawr to the top of her list. 

What are the perks of applying Early Decision?

College applications can take up a lot of mental space. 

Our students admitted Early Decision tell us that knowing where they were headed gave them more room to stay present during senior year. They could focus on classes, family, and friends instead of the next deadline or essay. 

You’ll also have more time to start getting to know your future home and classmates. 

If Bryn Mawr admitted me, would I say yes?

Can you picture yourself at Bryn Mawr? Are you excited about a liberal arts and women’s college education, small classes, close faculty relationships, opportunities through our Consortium partner colleges, traditions, community, and easy access to Philadelphia? Have you and your family talked through the financial side? 

If you’re ready to make that commitment, Early Decision might be your next step. Bryn Mawr’s application deadlines are the same each admissions cycle: Early Decision I is November 15, Early Decision II is January 1, and Regular Decision is January 15. 

Not quite sure yet? Reach out to your regional Admissions Counselor or your Financial Aid Counselor.