Early Action and Early Decision

Choosing the option that is right for you

Students applying for freshman admission are offered the choice of applying Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. Below you can learn about the differences between Early Decision and Early Action admission to Pace, and which one will work best for you.

Early Decision

Application deadline November 1

• Applying under the Early Decision plan is ideal for students for whom Pace University is their first choice school and who do not need to compare financial aid packages among other schools. Early Decision students can apply to only one school as an Early Decision Applicant, but can apply to other schools as a regular decision student.
• Early Decision is binding – if you apply under this plan, are accepted to Pace, and agree to the financial aid package, you are required to attend and you must withdraw all applications to other schools. Part of the application process is submission of an Early Decision Agreement form (PDF), which provides all of the details about Early Decision and is signed by you, your parent(s) or guardian(s), and your high school guidance counselor.
• If you are not accepted to Pace under Early Decision, your application will be reviewed, without any bias, as part of our Regular Decision process, and you will be released from the binding Early Decision Agreement.
• Please note that applicants for all majors of the Sands College of Performing Arts are eligible Early Decision provided that they complete the in-person audition/interview by the December 1 deadline. Auditioning or interviewing for the Pace School of Performing Arts requires an initial digital audition or portfolio (electronic submission) to be completed before applicants will be invited to on-campus or regional auditions/interviews. For detailed information on the application and audition process for the School of Performing Arts, please visit the Sands College of Performing Arts website.

Why Pace should be your first choice?

Here are just some of the reasons you should apply Early Decision to Pace University:

• Reduce the stress of senior year by receiving your admission decision early. If you apply Early Decision by the November 1 deadline, your admission decision and merit award (if you are admitted) will be sent by Thanksgiving. You'll be able to sit back, relax, and give thanks that your college plans are in motion.
• There’s less competition. When you apply Early Decision, you’ll be competing against a smaller number of applicants. That’s hundreds instead of the thousands who apply regular decision. This is a great option, particularly if you are interested in pursuing a highly-competitive program, like nursing. All of our majors are popular, but a few are so specialized that they have enrollment limits.
• Access to more scholarships. By applying to Pace early, you will be considered for additional specialized scholarships that will help make Pace even more affordable.
• You’ll get first pick at on-campus housing. As an Early Decision admitted student, you’ll receive priority in the housing selection process at both Pace campuses. If you’re planning to live on our NYC Campus, you’ve got a guaranteed spot in our newest building 15 Beekman. If you’re plan is to live in Westchester, you’ll be able to secure a double room in one of our newer residence halls.
• Get personalized admission and financial aid assistance. At Pace, we pride ourselves with providing a highly personalized approach to enrollment. From the point of application to the day you enroll, you’ll receive concierge-style service from our Admissions and Financial Aid teams. We’ll be here for you every step of the way!

Early Action

Application deadline for Early Action 1 is November 15 and Early Action 2 is December 1

• Applying under the Early Action plan is ideal for students for whom Pace University is one of their top choice schools and who also want an admission decision earlier than the Regular Decision process. Early Action is not binding, so students can apply to other schools and compare financial aid packages.
• Applying Early Action allows you to receive an admission decision earlier than Regular Decision students and have the option to consider multiple college offers.
• If you are not accepted to Pace under Early Action, your application will be reviewed, without any bias, as part of our Regular Decision process.

Housing Preferences

Your building placement will be based on the preferences you enter when you complete your housing application, and can be impacted by any roommate(s) requests you make. Changing your indicated preferences, or failing to enter your preference correctly, will impact your placement. Requesting a roommate who indicates a different building preference than you, or one who applied later than you (and therefore is not guaranteed their preferred building and/or (Pleasantville only) FIG placement) may result in you not being placed according to your preferences.

Regular Decision

Admission Decision Notification: Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis after the application deadline.

Please note: Your application for admission also serves as your application for a Pace Merit Scholarship Award.