BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
From the blaring of alarm clocks to the clang of school bells to the shrill notes of a coach’s whistle, your days in high school can feel driven by the continued passage of time. And with the clock ticking so loudly, it’s hard not to feel like you’re falling behind every second of the day.
On top of everything else, applying to college can feel extra overwhelming—especially when faced with varying choices like Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). True, these plans can offer significant advantages for students who have a clear top choice or want to know their admission status sooner. But what do these options mean, and how do you decide which is best? When is everything happening? Is it already too late?!
Let’s pause the clock and break it down, to better understand your early decision and early action choices. Take all the time you need; the choice is yours.
What Does It Mean to Apply Early?
When you apply early, you’re signaling to colleges that you’re serious about your education—and serious about them.
Approximately 450 colleges in the United States offer either Early Decision or Early Action plans, with some schools providing both options. Those colleges aim to secure a significant portion of their incoming class early to improve the school’s yield rate.
So, what’s the difference between Early Decision and Early Action? And most importantly, should you consider these options? You haven’t missed the window. Let’s start at the beginning: the start of fall semester, senior year.
Early Decision (ED): The Binding Commitment
Here’s the key: Early Decision is a binding agreement. If you’re accepted as an ED applicant, you must attend that college—no backing out! That makes this plan perfect for students who are 100% certain about their first-choice school and are ready to commit.
Quick facts about ED:
- Application Deadline: You’ll need to apply early, usually in November.
- Decision Timeline: You’ll receive a decision well before the usual notification date, often by December.
- Commitment: If accepted, you agree to attend the college and withdraw any other applications you may have submitted. This decision is final, so it’s essential to be sure!
- Deposit Deadline: You’ll need to send a nonrefundable deposit long before the usual May 1 deadline. Additionally, you and your family should be sure you’re able to financially afford the school. You won’t be able to receive financial aid information early enough to impact your decision.
Early Decision 2 (ED 2):
Additionally, a few colleges offer a secondary binding option called Early Decision 2. While uncommon, ED2 provides a valuable second chance. Students who received deferrals or rejections from their ED1 schools, or those who missed the ED1 deadline, can try again. Colleges that allow ED2 applications accept them a few weeks later.
Early Action (EA): The Flexible Option
Unlike ED, Early Action is nonbinding. This means you can apply early, and find out your decision early, but you’re not obligated to attend the college if accepted. In other words, EA is a great choice for students who want to keep their options open.
Quick facts about EA:
- Application Deadline: Similar to ED, you must apply early, typically in November.
- Decision Timeline: Decisions usually come in January or February.
- Flexibility: You have until the May 1 national response date to make your final decision, giving you plenty of time to weigh your options.
- Apply to Multiple Colleges: You can apply to other schools under regular decision plans, even if you’re accepted through EA.
Restrictive Early Action (REA):
Additionally, a few colleges offer a nonbinding choice called Single-Choice Early Action, or Restrictive Early Action. This option means applicants can only apply to one school under this plan, but it’s nonbinding.
While it’s good to recognize it if you see it, this option is relatively uncommon compared to the other two. Not many schools participate in this trend—and if they do, it’s usually highly selective institutions like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale.
Brief Note on Deadlines and Testing…
If you’re applying ED or EA (or SC-EA), timing is everything—especially when it comes to standardized testing. Make sure to take the SAT or ACT by October of your senior year to ensure your scores are available in time for early application deadlines.
Staying organized during the early college application season is crucial for managing the numerous tasks and deadlines that come with it.
Here’s what you can do now!
- Before the end of the summer, create a detailed timeline that includes all important dates for the fall semester. Since the majority of college applications are submitted online, we recommend students use a digital calendar or planner to keep track of these dates. Your calendar can include application deadlines, recommendation letter submission dates, test score deadlines, and any interviews or campus visits. Set reminders well in advance to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
- Next, establish a system for managing your application materials. Organize your documents into folders, either physical or digital, labeled by category such as personal statements, transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores. This will make it easier to access and review your materials as needed.
- Don’t forget to regularly review your progress. Set aside time each week to check off completed tasks and reassess your to-do list. This will help you stay on track and make any necessary adjustments.
- Take some time to write drafts of your personal essays during the summer. This is especially important if you plan to apply to the University of California schools as their submission deadline is only a few short weeks later. With a busy school schedule, you’ll be hard-pressed to find as much free time to write and reflect as you have during the summertime.
- Finally, make a contingency plan. When things go wrong, you don’t want to be panicked about what to do. While you have a little extra time, it’s also helpful to enlist the support of a counselor, teacher, or parent to review your materials and provide feedback. Their perspective can be invaluable in ensuring that your applications are as polished as possible!
By maintaining a structured approach and staying proactive, you can alleviate some of the stress associated with early college applications and focus on presenting your best self to the colleges of your choice.
Should You Apply Early?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Should you apply early? The answer depends on your circumstances, and weighing the pros and cons is important.
Who should apply early?
- You’re Sure of Your First Choice: If you have a clear top pick and are confident that it’s the right fit both academically and financially, ED could be the right move.
- You’re Ready to Commit: For those who thrive under pressure and want to secure their spot as soon as possible, applying ED can remove some of the uncertainty from the college application process.
- You Have Strong Credentials: Early applications are often more competitive, so if your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars are strong, you may have a better chance of being accepted.
Who should not apply early?
- You’re Not 100% Sure: If you’re still weighing your options or want to compare financial aid packages, it’s wise to avoid the binding commitment of ED.
- Your Application Needs More Time: If you believe your application will be stronger after the first semester of senior year (e.g., improved grades or additional accomplishments), waiting for the regular decision pool might be the better choice.
- You Need More Financial Aid Info: ED might not give you the chance to compare financial aid offers, which could be a significant factor in your decision.
Does applying early provide an admissions advantage?
Does applying early actually increase your chances of getting accepted? It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t entirely straightforward.
In the case of Early Action, the benefit isn’t necessarily a higher acceptance rate, but rather the opportunity to finish the application process earlier. By applying Early Action, you can avoid the rush of deadlines during the holiday season and the spring semester of your senior year. This can reduce stress and give you more time to focus on your final high school experiences.
However, when it comes to Early Decision, the dynamics change. Colleges often admit a higher percentage of Early Decision applicants compared to those applying through Early Action or regular decision. This is partly because Early Decision is a binding commitment, which means that if you’re accepted, you must attend. Colleges value this commitment since it guarantees they’ll have students who are eager to enroll, which can positively influence their yield rates—a key metric in college rankings.
Moreover, students who apply for Early Decision typically present strong applications with high grades and test scores, which may further explain the higher acceptance rates.
In the end?
While Early Decision can give you an edge, it’s important to remember that applying early doesn’t lower the admissions standards. Colleges still expect you to demonstrate academic excellence, strong test scores, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. What’s more, you’ll likely be competing against a very accomplished pool of applicants when you apply early.
So, while Early Decision might improve your odds, you should only apply if you’re fully prepared and certain about your choice.
Understanding the Impact on Your College Search
Applying Early Decision or Early Action can significantly influence your college search and overall application strategy. Before you get halfway through and change your mind, let’s get a few things straightened out.
Here’s why it’s important to start on the right foot: When you apply early, you’re essentially front-loading the process, which means you’ll need to have your application materials—such as essays, recommendation letters, and test scores—ready much sooner than regular decision applicants.
This accelerated timeline requires careful planning and time management, but it also means you could have peace of mind sooner, knowing your college plans well before your peers.
How ED and EA Affect Financial Aid
Financial aid is a critical factor for many students and families, and applying early can impact how you approach this aspect of the college process.
Here’s what you need to know: When you apply ED, you commit to a school before knowing the full details of your financial aid package. Although many colleges will provide an estimate of your aid package, the binding nature of ED can limit your ability to compare offers from different schools.
In contrast, EA allows you to apply early but still review and compare financial aid packages from multiple colleges. This flexibility can be especially beneficial if financial considerations are a major part of your decision-making process.
Tips for Crafting a Strong Early Application
Convinced that applying early is the way to go? Since early applicants are often competing against a highly motivated and accomplished pool of students, it’s essential to put your best foot forward.
Here’s how to stand out from the pack:
1. Tailor Your Application:
When applying early, make sure your application clearly reflects why you’re a great fit for the school. Research the college’s values, academic programs, and community, and highlight how you align with these in your essays and extracurricular activities.
2. Demonstrate Interest:
Colleges appreciate applicants who are genuinely excited about their institution. If you’re applying ED or EA, consider ways to show your interest, such as attending virtual or in-person events, reaching out to admissions officers with thoughtful questions, or even scheduling an interview if available.
3. Get Strong Recommendations:
Since you’ll be applying early, make sure your recommenders have ample time to write compelling letters of recommendation. Provide them with a detailed “brag sheet” that outlines your achievements, goals, and reasons for applying to the school early.
4. Polish Your Essay:
Your personal statement or college essay is a crucial component of your application. Start drafting early, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or college admissions experts. A well-crafted essay can make a lasting impression on admissions committees.
5. Stay the Course:
Don’t let “senioritis” take over! Even after you submit your applications, your senior year GPA could make a difference, so don’t let your focus or academics totally tank after December. When you are committed to a college, you might even have stipulations on a minimum GPA. Keep up your end of the bargain and finish the year out strongly.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Deciding between Early Decision and Early Action requires careful consideration. While both options offer the advantage of receiving an early response from colleges, the commitment levels are very different. If you’re confident in your top choice and ready to commit, an Early Decision might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to keep your options open and compare offers, Early Action provides the flexibility you need.
Regardless of the path you choose, make sure your application is the best it can be. If you’re feeling unsure or need guidance, consider reaching out to a college counseling service like Empowerly. There’s no need to stress yourself—and your family—over these important life decisions, which carry enough weight already. Our experts can help you navigate the application process, ensuring you make informed decisions that align with your goals.
Julia de Raadt
Sophia Minhas