Early Action

What is Early Action?

Early Action is a JWU application option that allows undergraduate students who apply before a certain date to receive a faster admissions decision. This is ideal for students who want to get a head start on their college planning (and for people who are impatient).

What to Know About Applying Early Action

1. There are two Early Action dates.

Fall 2027 applicants should apply by:

• Early Action 1: November 1, 2026 (receive decision by early December)
• Early Action 2: January 3, 2027 (receive decision by early February)

If you miss these deadlines, don’t worry! You can still apply to JWU. Our preferred Regular Decision deadline is March 1. The last day you can submit an application for the fall semester is July 15 for domestic students and June 1 for international students.

2. Early Action acceptances are non-binding.

Students who apply Early Action and are accepted do not have to commit to JWU.

3. There is no fee to apply.

Students can apply for free using the JWU application or the Common App.

4. Applying Early Action helps your application stand out.

When you apply Early Action, you show our admissions team that you’re seriously interested in attending Johnson & Wales. Not only does this help your application stand out to our admissions counselors, but it also lets them know that JWU is one of your top choice schools. You’ll demonstrate your commitment to becoming a Wildcat — something we consider in our holistic application review.

5. Personal essays, standardized test scores and letters of recommendation are optional.

Although we encourage all students to submit these materials if they have them, they are not required to submit your JWU application.