Early Action and Early Decision Applications: What to Know

Is it already time to apply for your dream school?

While you have a pretty solid list of schools in mind for applications, there’s one at the top that’s really your “dream” university – and you think you have a decent chance of gaining admission.

Should you apply early, if you have an option? Several hundred universities accept early applications, and it’s time to get them in. Before you do, however, you need to know the difference between an “early action” application and one that requires an “early decision.”

What’s the Difference Between Early Action vs. Early Decision?

While these may sound just about the same, the consequences of an early application vary greatly between the two plans:

Early Action:

This is a non-binding application process that leaves you free to accept or decline the offer. Depending on the school, you may be permitted to submit early action applications to several schools or only one – which is called a “single-choice” early action plan.

In either situation, you can always apply to the other schools on your list through the regular admission process. If you are admitted through an early action plan, you’re usually free to accept or deny the offer right away or wait until spring to give your answer.

Early Decision:

This is a much more restrictive process because you can always only apply to one early decision college – and your application is considered a binding agreement if you’re accepted and given enough financial aid.

You can (and probably should) apply to other schools through the regular admission process while you’re waiting on a decision, but you have to withdraw those applications or decline any offers you may receive if the first-choice school comes through. (Should you be rejected or deferred, you can apply to any other school you want.)

Because this is a big decision to make, some schools have two stages for the early decision process. If you wait until the second round, you’re still ahead of the regular applicants but you gain a little extra time to commit to the plan.

Is an Early Application Right for You?

Both processes offer some distinct advantages if you genuinely have a school of your dreams and want to get in. An early application:

• Shows that you are very committed to the school and eager to attend. That’s a point in your favor because admissions officers want to reserve as many slots as they can for students that are “sure bets” to attend.
• Could make your application more noticeable. Since you’ll be ahead of the pack, you stand a better shot of standing out from the crowd and making a unique impression. Admissions officers are only human, after all, and they may get a bit fatigued during the regular application season.
• Means you can get an answer before everybody else. If you’re admitted to your dream school, you can stop worrying about essays, applications and transcripts.

The obvious disadvantage to either plan is that you have to work fast to get your application in by the early deadline. That could leave you feeling unprepared and rushed.

Plus, an early decision plan locks you into one path. If you are hoping to compare scholarships and financial aid packages from several schools before you commit, this might not be the right path for you.

What’s the Bottom Line?

The early application process does offer significant benefits, but the decision to apply is something you should talk over carefully with both your parents and your college admissions guidance counselor.