Admissions
Applying to Nichols School

Early Action

Early Action Admissions at Nichols School

For families who know, this is where their journey begins.
If Nichols is your top choice for Grade 9, we encourage you to apply through our Early Action program. This helps our Admissions Office recognize your strong, demonstrated interest in Nichols School and also provides you with unique ways to learn about Nichols only available to Early Action applicants. This non-binding option allows families to apply and receive an admission decision in December, ahead of our regular admissions timeline. 
 

Early Action Application Dates & Deadlines

Milestone
Date
Early Action Application Opens
September 15, 2025
Early Action Application Deadline
December 1, 2025
Financial Aid Application Deadline
December 1, 2025
Early Action Decisions Released
December 5, 2025
Admitted Students Revisit Week
December 15, 2025
Enrollment Decision Deadline
December 19, 2025
 

Why Choose Early Action?


Early Action is a great fit for families who: 
  • Know that Nichols is the right fit
  • Are ready to meet earlier deadlines
  • Want to receive their admission decision before winter break
Early Action is non-binding and only for Grade 9 applicants. If admitted, families must confirm enrollment by December 19.

How to Apply Early Action


  1. Begin your application at nicholsschool.org/apply
  2. Select the Early Action option in the application (available for Grade 9 applicants only)
  3. Submit all required materials and financial aid documents (if applicable) by the deadline
  4. Admission decisions will be released through the portal on Dec 5, 2025
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

Program Details & Eligibility

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

  • Q.
    Is Early Action binding?

    No. Early Action at Nichols is non-binding. However, applicants who are admitted and choose to enroll are expected to withdraw all other applications and not initiate new ones. Students who decline an Early Action offer or do not respond will not be reconsidered during Regular Decision. 

    To reserve your student’s spot in the class, the enrollment agreement and deposit must be submitted by the published deadline.

  • Q. Why is Nichols offering Early Action?

    Nichols adopted the Early Action model based on successful practices in higher education admissions. This approach allows families to demonstrate their strong interest and gives our team more meaningful opportunities to connect with applicants earlier in the process.

  • Q.
    Who should consider Early Action?

    Grade 9 families who are confident that Nichols is the right academic and personal fit and want to complete the process early.

  • Q. What are the benefits of Early Action?

    Families will know if the student has been accepted to their first choice school before winter break and if admitted you can be done with your admission process.

  • Q. Do I have a better chance of getting in if I apply Early Action?

    Nichols' Early Action pool includes many highly qualified applicants, but applying early does not provide an advantage. Admission decisions are based on the same criteria used for Regular Decision, and Early Action offers are extended only when we are confident the student would be admitted in either round.

  • Q.
    What should I do to confirm Early Action is right for me?

    Start by exploring whether Nichols is the right fit for your family. We encourage you to visit campus, talk with current students, teachers, coaches, and admissions counselors. If you have questions about the process, contact us at admissions@nicholsschool.org.

  • Q. Can I switch to Regular Decision after applying Early Action?

    Yes. Contact the Admissions Office at 716-332-6325 or email admissions@nicholsschool.org before decisions are released.

  • Q. Can I apply to other schools?

    Yes, applicants may apply to other schools. However, if admitted to Nichols and they choose to enroll, they are expected to withdraw any other applications and not initiate new ones.

  • Q. What is the Early Action Agreement?

    By applying Early Action, families agree to make an enrollment decision by the deadline if admitted. While Early Action is not binding, families who choose to enroll at Nichols are expected to withdraw all other applications and not initiate new ones.

Admissions Decisions

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

Financial Aid & Affordability

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What if I have questions about my financial aid award?

    If you have questions about your financial aid award or would like to request a reconsideration, please visit our Need-Based Financial Aid page for more information or contact the Admissions Office to confirm requirements for next steps.

  • Q. Can I apply for financial aid through Early Action?

    Yes. The same process and policies apply to all applicants.

  • Q. What scholarships are available for Early Action applicants? 

    Named scholarships active for the 2025–2026 academic year are available to both Early Action and Regular Decision applicants. The Judgie Lytle ’64 Scholarship and Warren Gelman Scholarship Fund, however, are available exclusively to Early Action applicants and require an additional application.

  • Q. Does Early Action impact financial aid eligibility?

    No. Nichols meets up to 100% of demonstrated financial need using the same formula for all applicants, regardless of whether they are applying under Early Action or Regular Decision. Students are notified of the amount of their awards when they are admitted to Nichols.

After Admission

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

Address

1250 Amherst Street, Buffalo New York 14216 United States
Phone: (716) 332-6300

About Us

Nichols School is a nationally recognized college preparatory coed independent school with a 130-year history.
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