Early Decision
When you know, you know.
For some students, choosing a college takes months of comparison, campus visits, and difficult decisions. For others, there’s a moment when everything simply clicks.
Maybe it happens during a campus tour. Maybe it’s while watching student work, talking with a professor, or picturing yourself creating something extraordinary in the heart of Boston.
If Emerson already feels like that place for you, we want to introduce you to something special.
Introducing the Early Decision Emerson Backstage Experience.
Choose First. Get More From Day One.
Students who choose Emerson through Early Decision don’t just receive an admission decision, they unlock the Emerson Backstage Experience: exclusive financial incentives, expanded opportunities, and priority access designed to help them begin their Emerson experience with momentum.
Financial Support
Build your Emerson experience on a stronger foundation with benefits that add value throughout your time at Emerson.
Exclusive financial incentives.
- Eligible Early Decision students receive enhanced financial support available only through the Early Decision program.
- Board Bucks. Start your first semester with added flexibility for on-campus dining.
Housing
Arrive with more certainty and settle into campus life with practical advantages designed to make your transition easier.
- Four years of guaranteed on-campus housing.
- Priority Housing Opportunity. Enter an exclusive lottery for the opportunity to receive earlier housing selection.
- A complimentary first-year MicroFridge rental.
- Optional room staging. Arrive to a move-in-ready residence hall room with select essentials already in place.
Priority Status
Move into your first semester with earlier access to the choices that help shape your Emerson experience.
- Early course registration during your first student registration period.
- First choice of New Student Orientation dates. Select the session that works best for you and your family.
Beyond Boston
Take your education beyond Boston through Emerson’s distinctive global opportunities.
- $5,000 of financial support for global learning opportunities.
- Guaranteed access to Emerson Los Angeles for academically eligible Early Decision students.
- Access You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
Backstage Access
Backstage means more than early access. It means getting closer to the people, ideas, and experiences that make Emerson unique.
- Priority access to select master classes with visiting artists, creators, and industry leaders.
- Behind-the-scenes conversations with alumni, performers, and special guests connected to select productions and events.
- Priority access at select Emerson events, including designated performances, programs, and Family Weekend experiences.
- Summer Immersive Experience
Is Early Decision Right for You?
Early Decision is a binding application plan for students who know Emerson is their first choice.
If admitted, you’ll enroll at Emerson and withdraw applications to other colleges.
If you’ve already made that decision, we’d like to reward your commitment with exclusive opportunities available only to Early Decision students.
Timeline
Your Backstage Experience
When You’re Admitted
- Exclusive financial incentives
- First choice of New Student Orientation dates
- Summer Immersive Experience
Your First Year
- Complimentary first-year MicroFridge rental
- Priority housing lottery
- Priority course registration
- Exclusive events and experiences
- Expanded access to creative opportunities
- Board Bucks
- Optional room staging
Throughout Your Emerson Experience
- Four years of guaranteed on-campus housing
- Guaranteed access to Emerson Los Angeles
- Support for global learning opportunities
- Priority access to select master classes
Deadlines
Early Decision 1
| Application Deadline | November 1 |
|---|---|
| Honors Essay Deadline | November 15 |
| Decision Notification | Mid-December |
| Deposit Deadline | February 1 |
Early Decision II
| Application Deadline | January 1 |
|---|---|
| Honors Essay Deadline | January 15 |
| Decision Notification | Early February |
| Deposit Deadline | March 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding application plan for students who are certain that Emerson is their first choice. If admitted, you agree to enroll at Emerson and withdraw applications submitted to other colleges.
Who receives the Backstage Experience benefits?
The Backstage Experience is available to eligible first-year students who are admitted to and enroll at Emerson through Early Decision. Individual benefits may have enrollment, academic, program, timing, or availability requirements.
What financial incentives are included?
Eligible Early Decision students receive exclusive financial incentives available only through the Early Decision program.
Complete details will be included with your financial aid offer.
Are the financial incentives renewable?
Financial incentives are renewable. No additional application or essay is required unless noted. All recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA. See more information about merit aid.
Is Emerson Los Angeles guaranteed?
Academically eligible Early Decision students are guaranteed access to Emerson Los Angeles, subject to program requirements and participation guidelines.
When do the benefits begin?
Your Backstage Experience begins after you’re admitted and enroll through Early Decision. Individual benefits become available at different points throughout your transition to Emerson and your undergraduate experience.
Contact Us
Still have questions?
Your admissions counselor is happy to help you understand the Early Decision process, application requirements, and the Backstage Experience before you apply.
e. admission@emerson.edu
p. 617-824-8600