The college application process can be a demanding and stressful ordeal for students determined to get into their dream school. The Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) options are beneficial admissions strategies that may end the tumult of college admission earlier than regular decision. However, not all students are eligible to apply early to college. If you are considering sending your college application earlier, you need to make sure you understand the terms behind early admission and, in some cases, accept there are some strings attached to your early acceptance.
Although both EA and ED allow students to send their college application earlier than students who apply for regular admission, each of them has its own set of conditions and requirements. One of the most important factors for an early application is the student’s preference for a certain college or university. Early action and early decision are designed to reward high-achieving students who have already drafted their college list or have a top-choice college.
What is early action (EA)?
Early action is an application option that allows students to send their college applications until early or mid-November, the application deadline varies slightly among colleges. Their early application entitles them to receive an early admission decision. Early action can be beneficial for a student only if they have already done their research on colleges and are certain they are a good fit for them. This helps them understand where they stand with some of the chosen schools and readjust their college admission plans accordingly.
EA is a nonbinding option. Students can apply and potentially gain admission at more than one of their top colleges. Moreover, they can also apply for regular admission. Schools that allow early action usually send their admission decision in December, January, or February. Students who gain early admission can choose between schools and send their answers to the school’s offer by May 1.
While most schools that adopt EA allow students to take their time and apply to other colleges and universities, competitive institutions, like Ivy League schools may offer only restrictive early action. In other words, students who want to apply at such institutions have the possibility to send their early application to only one school but keep the option to apply to other schools with a regular deadline.
What is early decision (ED)?
Unlike early action, early decision doesn’t allow students the same freedom of choice. It is a binding application option that offers the possibility to apply early but takes away the possibility to apply to other schools under ED. A binding agreement means that if you receive your admission decision in December, you have to enroll. The only exception to this rule is if the student finds that the financial aid package offered by the institution doesn’t meet their needs.
Students who opt for ED should have an impeccable academic background and have already chosen their dream school. They can apply in November to their first-choice college and agree to attend the college following acceptance. If you have decided to follow the ED path, you need to make sure you make an informed decision regarding your dream school because you can apply to only one college under early decision. While you can still apply to other schools later, under regular decision, if you get accepted earlier, you will have to withdraw all your other applications.
Students accepted under ED are expected to send non-refundable deposits by May 1. Since the process is binding, schools that have instituted early decision policies require a firm commitment and signatures from the student, their family, and a school counselor. Schools that offer the ED application option are usually private and highly selective institutions. If the application is rejected, it is possible for students to still qualify for the regular decision process under a nonbinding plan.
Who should consider early application plans?
The best candidates for EA and ED plans are students who have managed to prepare all the mandatory materials earlier than their peers. Since the early admission process requires the same materials as regular admission, students can apply earlier if they already have their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and college essay ready by early or mid-November.
Furthermore, early action or early decision is a beneficial decision only for students who have already researched colleges and are sure about their top choices. If you’re applying under ED, you need to be sure the college you chose is the school where you want to continue your education. The college should be a perfect fit not only for their financial situation but also academically, socially, geographically, and financially.
As expected, students who apply early need to have an outstanding GPA and standardize testing scores. EA or ED applications, in some cases, could give students slightly higher chances to get accepted just because the competition is not as high as with regular admission. Standards may differ from college to college, but the academic record continues to play an important role in admission. Higher acceptance rates at colleges for early applications mean better-prepared students and not necessarily less competition.
Why should you apply under early action/early decision?
An advantage of applying earlier for college is the sweet relief from having to wait for a decision until spring. The process is quite stressful, and waiting for regular decision deadlines means prolonging the tension until March or April when colleges usually send their offers of admission. Prospective students can save time and money invested in the process of submitting multiple applications.
An early application process can really make a difference only if you have a definite first-choice college and you are on track with your academic career. Getting your admission decision early allows you more time to prepare for college and also to look for housing or additional financial aid. In the unfortunate situation that you get rejected, you have the opportunity to reassess your options and apply to other colleges under regular decision.
However, students who apply under ED and need financial aid should take into consideration that they will not have a chance to compare different financial aid opportunities. They will receive offers of admission and the financial aid award simultaneously and this might be a risky move if their college education depends on financial aid. It is best to confirm ahead of time that your choice school can offer the financial aid package you need.
