Applying Early Decision

So you've decided to apply for Early Decision, now what? Follow these steps to make sure that we have everything needed for a complete application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Admission Office at 1(800) 570-5858.

Why Early Decision?

Applying Early Decision has its advantages. First, there is a 30 day turnaround on your application, which means that you find out your acceptance status in just a month after the deadline! In addition, assuming financial aid deadlines are met, you will receive your Financial Aid package with your admission decision.

The Early Decision process is a 'Good Faith' agreement between the college and the student/family that presumes if the student is admitted, AND the financial aid package provides enough support to make enrollment possible, the student will have a secured a spot in the entering class and they will withdraw their applications from other institutions. To apply Early Decision, your application must contain the Early Decision agreement. In addition, students applying to academic programs that require a portfolio should submit their application even if the portfolio is not complete and submitted.

The only major to which students cannot apply Early Decision is the Radiography Major. Students applying for the Radiography Major must apply for Regular Decision.

If you still have questions about Early Decision, please contact your admissions professional.

Early Decision Deadlines

Early Decision II: January 15, 2012

Steps to apply:

Complete the Common Application (please contact the Admission Office if you prefer paper copies)
Champlain Supplement form (can be found on Common Application site)
Complete the School Report form, signed by your school counselor
Complete the Early Decision Agreement form
Application fee (waived for online applications)
Two recommendations from a high school counselor or teacher
SAT I or ACT scores (writing test option recommended)
Official copy of your high school transcript (including first quarter senior grades once available)
Students applying for Digital Filmmaking, Game Art & Animation, Game Design, Graphic Design & Digital Media, or Professional Writing, click here for the portfolio requirements.
Official copy of college transcript(s) for transfer applicants
English proficiency test score for students for whom English is a second language

EARLY ADMISSION DECISION FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

Early Decision Plan I (November 15, 2011) and Early Decision Plan II (February 1, 2012)

Please follow the steps below to apply for financial aid as an Early Decision applicant. Once we receive your completed information from the Federal Government, via the FAFSA, we will review your information and determine any financial aid eligibility that you may have for institutional, federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and workstudy. You will also be notified of any Champlain merit scholarship aid that you have been awarded.

Steps and Timeline for Early Decision I and Early Decision II Financial Aid:

Early Decision II Financial Aid Deadline = February 1, 2012

Because your personal tax and financial information for 2011 is not ready and prepared in time for Early Decision I, Champlain College — like other institutions — uses your previous year's financial information as a way to prepare an estimated financial aid package. We acknowledge that personal financial situations change from year to year, but this is the best way to initiate the financial aid process and provide you with a financial aid package so you can make an informed decision regarding your future.

Step #1: Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov. Early Decision I students should complete the 2011/2012 FAFSA using 2010 federal tax return information. Early Decision II students should complete the 2012/2013 FAFSA, available January 1, 2012.

FAFSA Filing Tips:

Fill out the form completely, do not leave information blank.

The form must be electronically signed by the student and, if dependent, one parent. Follow the steps provided to obtain a PIN for both the student and the parent and sign the FAFSA.

List Champlain College in the school section. Our school code is 003684.

Review the form for errors and correct, if necessary.

Step #2: Once your FAFSA has been submitted, the federal government sends your information securely to Champlain College and we will prepare your financial aid award letter. You will be considered for all Champlain scholarships as well as state and federal grant, loan, and work study programs.

Step #3: Continue to pursue scholarship opportunities available in your community and through private agencies and organizations. Champlain will not reduce the grants and scholarships we award if you receive additional scholarships.

Early Decision I admission decision and financial aid packages will be sent on December 15, 2011 if all deadlines are met.

Early Decision II admission decision and financial aid packages will be sent on February 15, 2012 if all deadlines are met.

For more information, please visit our Financial Aid website or email finaid@champlain.edu