Why I Applied Early Decision

You might have heard that Whitman has two Early Decision (ED) options: ED I and ED II. But what does the term Early Decision even mean?

Applying for Early Decision means you are committing to attending Whitman if accepted. It might sound intimidating, but it is a decision that will benefit you in the long run and take the pressure off you during your final year of high school. Plus, Whitman commits to providing your financial aid package early if you apply through ED, so you can plan your college expenses well ahead of time.

Whitman was my top choice, so I applied through the ED I option and have no regrets. I started my application when it opened—during the summer before my senior year. In November, I submitted my application with all my documents and financial aid forms. (Did you know: Whitman also waives application fees if you apply before December!)

I received my Whitman acceptance letter and financial aid package before the winter holidays! I remember coming home from high school and seeing my Whitman admission box. I instantly felt relieved! Whitman also offered me the best financial aid package out of all the colleges I applied to. It felt good knowing where I was going to college and how it’d be paid for, especially since I am a first-generation college student.

I remember seeing many of my high school classmates stressing over college throughout the first and second semesters of our senior year. They didn’t make their final college decisions until March or April. Thankfully, I got to enjoy my senior year by applying to ED I and said my final goodbyes to my peers, family, and community with confidence in where I’d be in the fall. It allowed me to prepare myself—physically, mentally and emotionally—because I knew where I was going eight months before moving away to college.

The best advice I could give any student applying to college is to be fearless. If you believe a particular college is the best fit for you, then apply for Early Decision—it will only benefit you!

Jacqueline Luna ’24 (she/her) is an Anthropology major from Los Angeles, California. She loves having painting picnics with friends on Whitman’s beautiful campus and in our scenic Walla Walla parks.