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.
Early Decision I is for students who know early in their senior year that LMU is their first-choice university. Students admitted through ED I receive:
- An additional $5,000 LMU scholarship, on top of any other LMU scholarships or grants you receive
- Priority housing selection
- Priority registration for your first term
- Priority consideration for programs with limited space
Early Decision II gives students a later opportunity to choose LMU as their first-choice university. ED II applicants receive:
- Preferential admission consideration
- Earlier admission decision
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.
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.
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.