Early Decision and Early Action
Embarking on the college admissions journey can feel like navigating a maze, especially when faced with new admission terms. In this article, we unravel the distinctions between Early Action and Early Decision, shedding light on their unique characteristics, and helping you make sense of these different application timelines.
Approximately 450 colleges have early decision or early action plans, and some have both. Some colleges offer a nonbinding option called single-choice early action, under which applicants may not apply ED or EA to any other college.
Related: Early Decision and Early Action Calendar
| Early Action (EA) | Early Decision (ED) | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Application process with early submission and early decision | Application process with early submission and binding commitment |
| Binding | No EA plans are nonbinding: Students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1. | YES ED plans are binding: A student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. |
| Flexibility | Can apply to multiple colleges under EA | Only apply to one college under ED |
| Decision Timing | Receive admission decisions early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February). | Receive admission decisions in December |
| Advantages | Demonstrates interest without a binding commitment Consider acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt. | May boost chances of admission due to commitment |
| When to Apply | By November 1st or 15th (depends on the college) | Usually By November 1st (depends on the college) to first-choice college. |
| Impact on Admissions | Non-binding commitment; allows for strategic comparison | Binding commitment; signals strong commitment to one college; potential admissions advantage |
| Other Colleges | Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans. Give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date. | Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans. Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED. |
Understanding the distinctions between EA and ED is crucial for navigating the college admissions process. Early Action offers flexibility and strategic advantages, while Early Decision demands commitment and may enhance admissions chances. Tailor your application strategy to align with your goals, preferences, and the unique characteristics of each timeline. This table serves as a quick reference guide to empower you on your college admissions journey.
Apply Early
A student should apply early to an ED or EA plan if the student:
- Has researched colleges extensively. Use ‘Explore Colleges‘ or ‘CollegeAI‘ for your research
- Is absolutely sure that the college is the first choice.
- Has found a college that is a strong match academically, socially and geographically.
- Meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college for SAT scores, GPA, and class rank.
- Has an academic record that has been consistently solid over time.
The Benefits of Applying Early
For a student who has a definite first-choice college, applying early has many benefits:
- Reduces stress by cutting the time spent waiting for a decision.
- Saves the time and expense of submitting multiple applications.
- Gain more time, once accepted, to look for housing and otherwise prepare for college.
- Reassess options and apply elsewhere if not accepted.
The Drawbacks of Applying Early
- Pressure to decide: Committing to one college puts pressure on students to make serious decisions before they’ve explored all their options.
- Reduced financial aid opportunities: Students who apply under ED plans receive offers of admission and financial aid simultaneously and will not be able to compare financial aid offers from other colleges. For students who absolutely need financial aid, applying early may be a risky option.
- Time crunch for other applications: Most colleges do not notify ED and EA applicants of admission until December 15. Because of the usual deadlines for applications, this means that if a student is rejected by the ED college, there are only two weeks left to send in other applications. Encourage those of your students who are applying early to prepare other applications as they wait to receive admission decisions from their first-choice college.
- Senioritis: Applicants who learn early that they have been accepted into a college may feel that since their goal has been accomplished, they have no reason to work hard for the rest of the year. Early-applying students should know that colleges may rescind offers of admission should their senior-year grades drop.