Coding for Kids
The college application process is exciting and terrifying. Adding to the stress is deciding when to submit applications—the age-old question of early decision vs early action.
With rolling admissions, early action, early decision I and II, and regular decision deadlines, things can get confusing. This post will explore the specifics of ED and EA to help you determine if either option is right for you.
Table of Contents:
- Early Action vs. Early Decision: Understanding Your Options
- What is Early Action?
- What is Early Decision?
- Early Decision vs. Early Action: What Are the Pros and Cons?
- Early Decision vs. Early Action: Factors to Consider Before Applying
- Conclusion
Early Action vs. Early Decision: Understanding Your Options
Both early action (EA) and early decision (ED) allow students to apply to colleges before the standard admissions deadlines, usually in November instead of January. But don’t be fooled by the shared early timeline—they differ greatly. Understanding these differences is vital when making college application decisions.
What is Early Action?
Applying to colleges via Early Action (EA) gives you a head start on admissions decisions without a binding commitment. While it has an earlier application deadline (typically in November), you have more time to finalize your decision if accepted.
Most EA colleges notify applicants by December. This provides ample time before the standard May 1st college decision deadline. Students who aren’t accepted are generally moved to the regular applicant pool.
Types of Early Action:
There are two main types of Early Action: restrictive and non-restrictive. These variations often influence where you can apply.
Restrictive Early Action (REA):
A few prestigious universities offer Restrictive Early Action. While still non-binding like regular EA, it restricts you from applying EA to any other private institutions. REA doesn’t preclude you from applying to other schools using Early Decision.
For those considering REA, note that this distinction only applies to private schools, leaving the option open for public school applications. Prominent examples of institutions offering REA include Georgetown, Harvard, and Yale.
Non-Restrictive Early Action:
Non-restrictive early action means you can apply EA to multiple schools. Since you’re not obligated to commit, acceptance at multiple colleges through this option allows you to make the best choice.
What is Early Decision?
Think of Early Decision (ED) as a legally binding agreement—a vow to commit to your dream school if accepted. This route means applying ED to only one school, signifying your intent to enroll if admitted under the provided financial aid package.
ED deadlines typically fall in early November, with decisions revealed by mid-December. Students can apply to other colleges through early action and regular decision alongside their single ED application.
You must withdraw applications sent to other colleges upon acceptance into your chosen Early Decision institution. Students declining the ED offer forfeit their application fee and potential acceptance at other colleges due to the binding commitment.
Exceptions may exist in situations like insufficient financial aid packages. If deferred or rejected by their chosen ED school, students can still apply to other colleges.
Early Decision I vs. Early Decision II: Understanding the Difference
Adding another layer to the early decision vs. early action debate is two distinct early decision options: Early Decision I and Early Decision II. The principle of ED applies to both options—a legally binding commitment.
Early Decision I (ED I):
With an ED I application (usually due November 1st), expect a decision by December, even before many regular decision deadlines. ED I acceptance guarantees a spot in the upcoming fall semester, providing you with certainty earlier.
Be certain about your college choice if you’re going this route, as it limits options if accepted.
Early Decision II (ED II):
An ED II strategy might be right if your top-choice school’s ED I deadline has passed, or your first ED I application was rejected. Or maybe you want the security of a decision before tackling your Regular Decision applications?
The ED II deadlines offer some flexibility, with deadlines commonly in January and decisions usually around mid-February.
Early Decision vs. Early Action: What Are the Pros and Cons?
Both Early Action vs. Early Decision have advantages and drawbacks. Let’s break those down.
Pros:
Both early decision vs. early action provide several advantages, particularly for those looking to increase their odds. However, a few crucial differences exist.
Early Action (EA):
- Provides a decision early in the admissions process, mitigating some stress of waiting.
- Offers more flexibility: apply early to multiple schools without any commitment.
- If you’re set on attending a specific university but aren’t sure about their financial aid offering, applying EA allows more time to assess the situation before committing.
Early Decision (ED):
- Expresses your genuine interest in a particular university, which holds substantial weight with admission officers.
- Provides you with an admissions decision early in your senior year of high school, potentially providing peace of mind early in the admissions process.
- Since colleges have guaranteed enrollment from their ED applicant pool, they are likely to fill more spots via early decision versus regular admission cycles. This gives ED applications higher acceptance rates. Take Northeastern University: their overall acceptance rate is just 7%, while the Early Decision rate is an impressive 33%.
Cons:
Now that we’ve gone over some of the pros, it’s important to consider the drawbacks of ED vs. EA before applying.
Early Action (EA):
- Applying EA might not have the same competitive edge as Early Decision since colleges can’t guarantee your enrollment. While a good application strategy, EA alone doesn’t hold as much sway as other factors.
- Early Action often has different deadlines compared to Regular Decision applicants, creating potential conflicts with other college applications. This could mean juggling various documents and application fees.
Early Decision (ED):
- Limits options. An ED application is binding, meaning if accepted, you must attend regardless of whether another institution offers a better financial aid package. If financial aid plays a major role, consider applying under Regular Decision, which allows comparisons before making a final decision.
- Early application deadlines might not allow for test score improvement. The November deadline may not give you time to retake the ACT/SAT. Factor this in as those scores, in some cases, could make or break an application.
Early Decision vs. Early Action: Factors to Consider Before Applying
Now that you know the main differences, here are a few questions to ask yourself before making your final decision on which option is right for you.
1. Have You Researched Your Colleges?
Consider your college list carefully before applying Early Action or Early Decision. This helps determine whether applying via EA or ED makes sense, or if you’ve even found the right program and school for you. Spend time attending college tours (in-person or virtually), and research universities and program offerings that excite you most.
2. What are My Standardized Test Scores?
Students with below-average SAT/ACT scores applying ED won’t benefit from the early admissions edge. Their scores might be significantly lower compared to other competitive ED candidates. Whereas a regular decision application, especially at a university where SAT/ACTs are optional, minimizes this disparity. Early application deadlines might leave little room to improve these scores.
3. How Certain Are You About Your Top-Choice School?
Both Early Action and Early Decision signify strong interest in attending the university. But consider your reasoning before making a legally binding commitment. Have you visited the school (in-person is best)? Can you envision your future at the institution?
Evaluate what draws you to this particular school. Be honest with yourself: if hesitation exists, early decision may not be the right fit. An early action application provides a decision buffer to address doubts and keep options open.
Conclusion
The Early Action vs. Early Decision question boils down to commitment and certainty. EA gives you an edge but ultimately offers greater flexibility, letting you explore different options before deciding. Conversely, an ED application cements your intention, requiring an absolute commitment to attend.
Choosing the right option is paramount in the application process. Understanding how early action vs. early decision aligns with your circumstances ensures a strategic and informed college application process. Good luck.
