Northrup Hall as seen at sunset
Apply Early. Know Early.
Trinity named one of top 10 schools where early applicants have an advantage

Applying early to Trinity University is more important than ever—and don’t just take our word for it. U.S. News & World Report has consistently named Trinity one of the top 10 universities in the nation where early applicants have an edge. Here is everything you need to know about the benefits, deadlines, and overall significance of applying early.

Trinity’s Early Decision application plan allows prospective students to get ahead of the competition and stand out among a smaller applicant pool. Being admitted under Early Decision also means students are notified early and can fully enjoy their senior year knowing they are officially a Tiger.

"We find that high school students who begin to thoughtfully craft their college list during their junior year put themselves in a more competitive position for admission as a senior," says Justin Doty, dean of Admissions. "Early applicants often remark that being notified of admission and merit scholarship before winter break allows them more time to make campus visits and strategically weigh important factors before the looming national candidates reply date of May 1."

Trinity offers three early application decision plans: Early Decision (ED) I and II, which are binding decisions, and Early Action (EA), which is a non-binding option. ED I and EA applications are due on Nov. 1, 2021, and students are notified of admissions decisions by mid-December. ED II applications are due on Feb. 1, 2022, with a notification date of Feb. 15.

Surpassing last year’s record-setting statistic of 18.77%, the Class of 2025 enrolled 19.15% of students through ED. This new record of ED applicants is markedly higher compared to the 5% from the entering class in 2012, signifying an increase in students’ confidence and certainty about becoming Tigers. Of the 663 students currently enrolled in the Class of 2025, 497 students—75% of the class—were Early Decision or Early Action applicants.

“Knowing we were facing the incredibly challenging task of enrolling the Class of 2025 during the midst of a global pandemic, we were fortunate to have so many applicants identify Trinity as their top choice and commit to Early Decision. A robust ED population allowed us to more strategically manage the applicant pool and achieve our enrollment objectives,” Doty says. “Despite national enrollment challenges, we are absolutely thrilled with the size, diversity, talents, academic caliber and overall composition of this cohort of students.”

Across the board, Trinity boasted another strong year for applications. Underrepresented students make up 42% of first-years enrolled this fall, and 50% of ED students are from underrepresented backgrounds. Despite the many stressors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, 663 first-year students make up the Class of 2025, which already boasts multiple successes in size, academic strength, diversity, and confidence in their choice to become Tigers. This outcome demonstrates the University’s resilience during the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic—a true testament to the Trinity community.

To learn more about applying Early Decision, visit gotu.us/earlydecision.

For 150 years, Trinity University has transformed challenge into boundless opportunity. Join the force in motion at www.trinity.edu.

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