QUICK ANSWER
For a Korean family, RISD Early Decision is mainly a financial decision. ED is binding: if admitted, you commit to RISD before you can compare award letters from other schools. In our record that comparison matters most at RISD, the school with the lowest award rate we report: 4 of 68 RISD admits received a RISD award (6%), against 82% at Otis, 80% at MICA and 60% at Parsons.
So apply ED only if RISD is the clear first choice and the family can pay the full cost without an award. Otherwise, Regular Decision on January 20 keeps every option open until the award letters arrive.
NOVEMBER FIRST · 1
The Dates
| Round | Application | Financial aid materials |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 1 | November 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 20 | January 25 |
From RISD first-year admissions and financial aid deadlines, checked October 2026.
NOVEMBER FIRST · 2
What ED Gives Up, in Our Numbers
| School | Admits in our record | With an award |
|---|---|---|
| RISD | 68 | 4 (6%) |
| Otis | 38 | 31 (82%) |
| MICA | 64 | 51 (80%) |
| Parsons | 63 | 38 (60%) |
| Pratt | 102 | 40 (39%) |
Royal Blue results record, 2009–2026, confirmed directly with each student.
These are our students’ results, not RISD policy. But they show why a binding commitment is costly for a family that needs aid: the schools most likely to fund our students are the ones an ED commitment would make you withdraw from.
NOVEMBER FIRST · 3
When ED Makes Sense
- RISD is the clear first choice, by programme and not by name.
- The family can pay the full cost without depending on a RISD award.
- The portfolio is finished by November 1: 12–20 works, with up to 3 process uploads.
- English is ready: TOEFL 5 on the new scale, IELTS 7 or Duolingo 120, unless waived.
- You have read RISD’s ED agreement, including what it says about release for financial reasons.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
If Harvard or another school with Restrictive Early Action is on the list, check its rules first: you usually cannot pair it with RISD ED. See Harvard vs RISD and how to check an academy’s RISD record.
NOVEMBER FIRST · 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RISD Early Decision binding?
Yes. If admitted under ED, you commit to enrol at RISD.
When is the RISD Early Decision deadline?
November 1, with financial aid materials due November 15.
Does applying ED help a Korean student get aid?
Our record does not separate ED from Regular Decision, but across both only 4 of our 68 RISD admits received a RISD award.
What if I need to compare scholarships?
Apply Regular Decision by January 20 so you can compare award letters before committing.
What portfolio does RISD want?
12–20 works with up to 3 process uploads; master copies, fan art, anime and drawing from photos are discouraged.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students, including 68 at RISD. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD first-year admissions, English proficiency and financial aid deadline pages. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Harvard vs RISD · Is RISD the Best? · Checking a RISD Record · RISD and Grades · Royal Blue Results