Should I Apply Early Action or Early Decision: A Comprehensive Guide
July 28, 2023 | By Daniel Strom
You're approaching the fall of your senior year and have a pretty good idea of which colleges you want to apply to. However, if the application process wasn't already overwhelming, you now need to decide which admissions plan to pursue: Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Rolling Admission, or Regular Decision. Keep in mind that most schools will offer two or three admissions plans to select from. Below, you can find a summary of each admissions option, along with some insight that will suggest which admissions plan suits you.
1. Early Decision (ED): The Binding Commitment
This option is binding, meaning that if you're admitted, you must withdraw all your other college applications and attend your Early Decision college. It's a big decision, and ED applications are usually due in November. Keep in mind that some schools have two rounds of ED, known as EDI and EDII.
Can you apply Early Decision to more than one school?
Nope! You only have one shot. You sign an ED agreement when you apply through the Common App. Some students have tried gaming the system by applying ED to one school through the Common App and ED to another through the Coalition App. Just don't do it. These students are almost always found out, and both institutions instantly deny their applications.
Does Applying Early Decision Increase Chances of Admission?
Yes. According to page 12 of the Common Data Set for Northwestern University, the acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants is 24.3%. Compare this to the overall acceptance rate of 7%. According to page 13 of the Common Data Set for University of Pennsylvania, the acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants is 15.5% Compare this to the overall acceptance rate of 6.5%
How do I know if Early Decision is right for me?
If you can say yes to the following, then ED may be a strategic move:
I've fallen head over heels for this college, and attending would be a dream come true.
I've visited the campus or researched enough to know I could see myself happy there.
My test scores, grades, and course selections align with or exceed the average for accepted students.
My academic and extracurricular profiles are strong, and my counselor agrees I would be a good fit.
OR:
I'm a recruited athlete, and the coach has expressed strong interest in me. I've had meaningful conversations with the coach and teammates, and I feel like it's a perfect fit.
However, it's not just about your passion for the college; finances play a crucial role too. If you're accepted Early Decision, the college will send you a financial aid package, so it's essential to consider your family's ability to meet the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) determined by your FAFSA or Net Price Calculator. If you are hoping for a merit scholarship, make sure you check whether that college offers merit scholarships in the first place. Many colleges do not offer merit scholarships unless you are a recruited athlete or visual/performing arts major. You don’t want to waste your only shot at applying ED to a school that you won’t be able to ultimately afford!
2. Early Action (EA): A Non-Binding Strategic Move
I always recommend applying EA for colleges that offer it (that don’t also offer ED). Why? For one, EA is non-binding, meaning you can apply to multiple colleges via Early Action and keep your options open. Furthermore, the admission rate for EA applicants is typically higher than Regular Decision. So, unless you are unable to put together a robust application by the EA deadline (typically October and November), applying EA is always a great choice.
3. Restrictive Early Action (REA): Well…it’s restrictive
This is a variation of EA; the only difference is that REA will not allow you to apply EA or ED to any other schools unless they are state universities. This exception exists because colleges are aware that state universities are often cheaper; thus, they want to allow you to have options that fit your budget. Some colleges that offer REA admissions include Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Applying REA is a strategic move, but, like ED, you only have one shot, so make it count!
4. Regular Decision (RD): The Most Common
This option is also non-binding. Deadlines usually range from December to February. Keep in mind that applying RD will be more competitive if the college also offers an early application plan like EA, ED, or REA.
5. Rolling Admissions: The Early Bird Gets the Worm
This option is less common and is typically offered at colleges with acceptance rates above 50%. Rolling Admissions means that the sooner you apply, the sooner you will receive an admissions decision. If you are applying to a school that offers Rolling Admissions, applying earlier is more strategic because more slots will be available early on.
Overall, here are some key things to consider when selecting an application option:
Do Your Research
Start by discovering what you want in a college and research various options. Create a list of colleges you're interested in and identify why each one is a great fit for you. Having a clear understanding of your preferences will guide your decision-making process.
Consider Your Match with Early Decision
Early Decision might be a great option if you're confident that a specific college is "the one" and meets your criteria. But remember, it's not just about getting in; it's about finding a college that aligns with your core values and goals.
Finances Matter
Factor in your family's financial situation when considering Early Decision. Be sure you can afford the college's Expected Family Contribution, and don't hesitate to reach out to financial aid officers for clarification.
Consult Admission Statistics
Look at admission data to gauge how much schools value Early Decision. Some colleges fill a significant portion of their class through Early Decision, while others don't show a significant difference in acceptance rates between Early Decision and Regular Decision.
Seek Counselor Guidance
Your school counselor is a valuable resource. Discuss your college plans, and they can provide insight based on your academic profile and how students from your school have fared during the early application rounds in the past.
At the end of the day, whether you decide to apply ED, EA, REA, or RD, remember there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's about finding the best fit for YOU!
So, as you embark on this exciting journey, take your time, explore your options, and be true to yourself. And don't forget that we're here to support you every step of the way!
About Daniel Strom
Daniel Strom co-founded Elite Scholar Advising, which provides tailored advice to college applicants worldwide. He is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management, where he also developed admissions experience through his role as an admissions representative. In addition, he also served on the Northwestern Alumni Admissions Interviewing Council. Daniel has helped hundreds of college applicants across the world realize their full potential by gaining admission to their dream schools.