Early Action and Early Decision Letters: What Do They Mean?
When you have your heart set on a specific school, early decision and early action applications can help you get an answer much sooner.
If you’re a hopeful member of the Class of 2026 somewhere and your early applications are in, you may even get a decision sometime this month! If you’re still a year or more away from the college application process, it’s wise to learn as much as you can about these options, in case you decide to take advantage of the opportunity when it’s your turn.
What Is the Major Difference Between Early Action and Early Decision Plans?
You need to understand the key differences between the two so that you avoid any future complications with your academic plans. It all comes down to the level of commitment required from a student. An early decision is a binding agreement, while early action is not.
Because early decisions are binding, students are restricted to just one application under this process. This is almost exclusively used when a student is a high-achiever who has 100% identified the school they want to attend – quite likely, one of the exalted universities in the Ivy League where competition for admission is already fierce.
In comparison, early action is a nonbinding offer. As such, students can usually apply to several different schools in the hope of admission. (Some of the Ivy League schools offer early action options but still require the same level of exclusivity they attach to early decisions, so there really isn’t much difference there.)
If you receive an early action letter, you don’t have to commit to the school until May 1 (the national response date in the United States).
What Does an Early Action or Early Decision Letter Mean for You?
Well, there’s good and bad news to unpack here. On the good side, either an early action or early decision letter gives you a guaranteed slot in the school you were dreaming about. That’s always worth celebrating!
On the bad side, an early decision letter goes out before any financial aid offer, so you may be committing to a school on blind faith that you can afford it. (If money isn’t an issue, then this is, quite naturally, not much of a concern.) It also locks you into a decision that you have to make really early, so it’s not something to do unless you are completely certain about your goals.
Early action offers may also come without their financial aid packages attached – but you have several months ahead before you have to commit. Since you aren’t committed, you can take your time and wait until all of the financials are processed so that you can compare offers and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each of your choices.
Early action offers also come with the added benefit of having time to really think about your decision before you commit. If you start second-guessing your choice of school, you still have time to go through the regular admissions process elsewhere.
Final Thoughts About Early Action and Early Decision Applications
If you’ve already applied through an early admissions process, it’s time to start checking the mail. If it’s not quite time for your application process, it is time to start thinking about early admissions. This process is particularly beneficial for competitive candidates who want to separate themselves from the pack – but it takes a lot of dedication, drive and organization to get everything ready. Working with an experienced admissions counselor can be key to your
