Applying Early Decision to RIT: What You Need to Know

Deciding where to apply to college can feel overwhelming, but for some students, the choice is clear. We sat down with a current RIT student to hear about their experience applying Early Decision (ED), what motivated their choice, and what advice they would give to high schoolers considering the same path.

Q: Let’s start with the big question: why did you decide to apply Early Decision to RIT instead of keeping your options open with regular decision?
A: RIT has been my dream school since I was a sophomore in high school. I came on a campus tour with my sister and fell in love with the energy of the campus, the people I met, and the resources available to students. After that visit, I could not picture myself anywhere else. The reason I chose Early Decision is that I decided that if it weren't RIT, I would not attend college at all. I actually did not even apply to any other schools because I was that sure about wanting to be here.

Q: Did you have any concerns about committing early? A lot of students worry about financial aid when they apply ED.
A: I definitely thought about tuition; it is a big decision, and I know that it can hold people back from applying early. But for me, I decided that if RIT were where I truly wanted to be, I would find a way to make it work. I had faith in myself and in the process, and thankfully, things did work out. It was not always easy, but looking back, I am glad I did not let the financial piece stop me from applying ED.

Q: What about the academic program specifically? What drew you to your major here, as opposed to other schools?
A: I was really impressed by RIT’s graphic design program. I conducted extensive research and am aware that RIT has been highly ranked in the past for its graphic design program. What stood out to me most was the focus on typography, as not many schools teach it in-depth, and it is such a fundamental part of design. I wanted a program that was not just about learning software, but about understanding the history, theory, and craft behind design. That mix of creativity and technical skill is what made RIT’s program stand out to me.

Q: Any advice for current high school students who are considering Early Decision?
A: If RIT, or any school, is your dream school, then go for it. Early Decision can feel scary because you are committing, but it also brings a lot of peace of mind. For me, once I received my acceptance, I no longer had to stress about waiting months or juggling multiple applications. It gave me the freedom to enjoy the rest of my senior year knowing my future was set.

Q: Looking back now, do you have any regrets about your decision?
A: Not at all. If I could go back, I would make the same choice every single time. Applying ED was one of the best decisions I have made because it brought me exactly where I wanted to be.

Q: Last question: What would you tell someone who is on the fence about applying ED to RIT?
A: Think about what you want out of your college experience. If you know RIT is the right place, applying ED can give you a head start and a lot of clarity. And even if you are not entirely sure, RIT offers numerous academic and social opportunities that make it worthwhile to take a chance. This is a school that opens doors, and you cannot go wrong by choosing it.

Choosing Early Decision is not the right path for everyone, but for students who know RIT is the right place for them, it can be a powerful way to commit early and start their journey with confidence. If you are considering ED, take it from Madi: sometimes the best decision is the one that feels like home from the start.