If Gettysburg College is your top choice, why wait? Apply via Early Decision today!
High school students who wish to enroll at Gettysburg prior to completion of their secondary schooling may apply under the Early Admission Plan. This option is provided for those students who are ready to experience the challenges of a college education earlier than is typical. Students applying for Early Admission do so during their junior year in high school and must show exceptional academic ability and motivation in secondary school. They should also have the support of the secondary school counselor and their parents/guardians.
To be eligible for consideration, a student must do the following: apply for admission using the Common Application; submit a high school transcript including grades for five semesters of course work, submit a secondary school report, a counselor recommendation, and a teacher’s recommendation; submit SAT or ACT test scores, and have an admission interview with an admission representative. Normally it will be necessary for an Early Admission student to enroll at a local college or university in the summer prior to their enrollment at Gettysburg in order to fulfill the College’s English unit’s requirement and also earn the high school diploma.
5 Common Myths Debunked
Are you still unsure about applying via Early Decision? Below, we dispel five common myths about Early Decision.
Below we dispel five common myths about applying Early Decision and you will learn why Gettysburgians decided Early Decision was the right choice for them.
#1
Myth: You can’t apply Early Decision if you don’t have your senior mid-year grades yet.
Fact: Yes, you can. Gettysburg College will accept your final junior grades during the application process.
#2
Myth: You aren’t eligible for academic merit scholarships or need-based financial aid if you apply Early Decision.
Fact: Early Decision applications will be automatically reviewed for academic merit scholarships. Notification will be sent with acceptance letters. If students and families have applied for need-based financial aid through the FAFSA and CSS Profile, financial aid awards will be included with the students’ acceptance packets. Early Decision applicants are NOT disadvantaged in merit scholarship or need-based aid awards in any way.
#3
Myth: You can’t apply Early Decision if you miss the November deadline.
Fact: Gettysburg offers two Early Decision deadline dates—November 15 for EDI and January 15 for EDII. We encourage you to have conversations with your family and school counselor before applying Early Decision. For students who submit their application under Regular Decision and decide later in the process that they are interested in being considered within the Early Decision applicant pool, they should contact the Admissions Office to convert their application.
#4
Myth: You won’t be considered under Regular Decision if you weren’t accepted under Early Decision.
Fact: In most cases, students applying Early Decision who are not offered acceptance will automatically be deferred for consideration under Regular Decision admission, allowing the admissions committee to see a more complete application with senior mid-year grades.
#5
Myth: Early Decision and Early Action are the same.
Fact: No, Early Decision and Early Action are not the same. Applicants under Early Decision are committing to attend Gettysburg College. Please see our Applying to Gettysburg page for more information about our Early Action and Early Decision policies.
Application Deadline
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Early Decision I
November 15
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Early Decision II
January 15
Why I applied Early Decision
I wanted an academically competitive school and Gettysburg was the perfect place for that. I also loved our close proximity to Washington D.C. and Baltimore, while still being able to get that small-town campus feel. As someone interested in politics, the Eisenhower Institute was a big push for me, as well and the history of the campus. It made me feel a part of something so special.
When I first toured Gettysburg, I knew right away it was a great choice to apply Early Decision. I immediately connected with the College’s mission and core values and could picture myself as a student here. The College stood out to me in the application process for its dedicated professors, residential campus, and small classes. In the end, I am so happy with the decision that I made. I highly recommend applying Early Decision if you are considering it, as it is a great feeling to be able to show the College you are fully committed.
When I was looking at colleges, I was looking for a liberal arts school with a good conservatory, as I was interested in doing music performance and composition. During my visit, I was impressed and very surprised with how far everyone had gone to make me feel welcome, appreciated, and at home.
I was committed for two sports and loved the balance between academics and athletics that Gettysburg offered. I could attend a great school academically and be challenged while also supporting a balance between athletics and my social life, which I loved.
