Early Decision and Early Action
Your College Path
Starts Here
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Your senior year moves quickly, and college deadlines arrive fast. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) offers you three early application paths: Early Decision I (binding), Early Decision II (binding), and Early Action (non-binding), alongside Regular Decision.
When you apply early, you get priority access, receive your admission decision as early as mid-December, and gain priority consideration for merit scholarships. This helps ease your senior-year stress and gives your family more time to plan your next steps. Explore the options below to find the best fit for your goals.
Important Deadlines for Your LMU Application
| Decision Plan | Application Deadline | Financial Aid Deadline | When You Will Hear Back |
Deposit Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I (ED I) | November 1 | November 1 | Mid-December | January 12 |
| Early Action (EA) | November 1 | January 10 | Mid-December | May 1 |
| Early Decision II (ED II) | January 8 | January 10 | Mid-February | March 16 |
| Regular Decision (RD) | January 15 | February 1 | Early March | May 1 |
*The financial aid deadline applies to the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, as appropriate.
Benefits of Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Decision
| Early Decision I | Early Decision II | Early Action | Regular Decision | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | November 1 | January 8 | November 1 | January 15 |
| Decision Released | Mid-December | Mid-February | Mid-December | Early March |
| Scholarship Eligibility | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Binding Decision | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Finance Plan Release | 2 weeks after decisions post |
3 weeks after decisions post |
6 weeks after decisions post |
4 weeks after decisions post |
| Time period to submit deposit | About 3 weeks | About 3 weeks | About 19 weeks | About 7 weeks |
Why Act Early?
Secure peace of mind: Know where you stand before most students even submit their applications.
Show your commitment: Colleges recognize the dedication of students who apply early.
Make planning easier: Early offers give you and your family more time to review financial aid and prepare for the transition.
Reduce stress: Spend Spring focused on finishing high school strong instead of waiting on college decisions.
Which Should You Choose?
You should choose Early Decision if…
- You have done your homework, and you are passionate about LMU.
- You are ready to commit now.
- You want priority consideration for admission, scholarships, and more.
Early Action fits you if…
- You want results early but want to keep your options open.
- You want more time to compare aid options.
- You are ready to apply in November without the binding commitment.
Regular Decision works best if…
- You need more time to strengthen your application.
- You are still exploring other schools.
- You prefer to wait and weigh all your options at once.
A Note for Families
Your student’s application choice affects your entire family.
- Early applications ease stress by providing clarity sooner.
- Early Action gives you time to compare financial aid offers.
- Early Decision provides certainty and momentum—but requires readiness to commit.
Encourage your student to plan ahead. Talk openly about finances, priorities, and fit. Early choices can bring peace of mind for everyone.