Early Action vs. Early Decision vs. Regular Decision: How You Apply Makes the Difference

Will applying early improve my chances? What’s the difference between ED and EA? What about financial aid?

As a college admissions consultant, I hear these questions every day! And I get it. This stuff is confusing. How you apply to colleges can dramatically impact both your acceptances and your financial packages. Your application strategy needs to be tailored to your family’s academic goals and financial considerations.

While every university has its own admissions policies and historical data, this simple table will give you a little information to get started. From here, work with a professional education consultant or your school guidance counselor to craft your own application strategy.

Here are a few tips you need to know:

1. Early Decision 1 and Early Decision (Binding). When you apply Early Decision,(typically between November 1-November 15), you promise to enroll if offered admission.  This has both benefits and drawbacks, as  ED acceptance rates tend to be higher, but the binding status makes comparing financial packages impossible. ED2 is simply another chance to apply Early Decision during the January timeframe.  You will improve your chances, but you will be bound to enroll if accepted.
2. Early Action (Non-Binding) You may apply to as many schools as you’d like under the EA plan, and you will be able to decide where you would like to enroll once you’ve received all of your acceptances. While a few schools show higher EA acceptance rates, in general applying EA will not dramatically improve your chances. But, you will be able to compare financial packages and give some more time to your college selection.  Most EA deadlines are November 1-15.
3. Restrictive Early Action (Non-Binding) To further complicate matters, some highly selective universities also offer Restrictive Early Action programs.  With REA, students may submit applications early and will receive an admissions decision early.  The student is NOT required to enroll if accepted, but he or she is restricted applying to other schools early.  In all instances, the student is prohibited from applying Early Decision to other schools, but in some cases, often referred to as Single Choice Early Action (SCEA), the school may also prohibit the student from applying to other schools Early Action, as well, unless the alternate school is a public institution.  Most deadlines are November 1-November 15.
4. Rolling Admission (Non-Binding)  Rolling admission schools review your application as soon as it is submitted rather than waiting for a deadline by which all applications are reviewed together.  The advantages are that you receive an admissions decision within 4-8 weeks. Beware, though.  You’ll want to apply as early as possible to Rolling Admission schools since they accept students until they are full!

Bottom line? Policies vary widely, so it’s really important to do your homework for each school you are applying to. Sometimes it’s easier to just pick up the phone and talk through your questions with an admissions counselor at your selected schools.  If you still need help making these important decisions, find an experienced education consultant, as these choices can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships down the line.

At PrepU, we’ve helped thousands of families make strategic application plans based on their financial and academic goals. Feel free to reach out if you need help maximizing scholarship dollars or applying to your dream school with confidence!
www.collegeprepsolutions.com
781.526.4192

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