Early Action, Early Decision, etc

There are five admissions processes and timelines that colleges may offer. Different colleges offer different options with different deadlines, so keep track carefully.

• Regular Decision — Students apply by a stated deadline, then receive an admissions decision by a specified response date. This is the most common process.
• Rolling Admission — Colleges review and decide on applications as they are submitted. Since the number of openings falls over time, students should not delay applying.
• Early Action (EA) — Students apply by a special, early deadline, then receive an admissions decision well before the college's normal, Regular Decision response date. A student may be accepted, rejected, or deferred (reassessed later as part of the Regular Decision pool). The admission decision is non-binding: the student is not required to attend if admitted.
• Restrictive Early Action (REA) — A special kind of early action in which students may also be restricted from applying early (EA, REA, or ED) to other colleges.
• Early Decision (ED) — Similar to early action, but the admissions decision is binding: the student is required to attend if admitted.

Should You Apply Early?

Applying early has some benefits. For example, you may have a slightly better shot at getting in and you'll have your college plans settled earlier.

On the other hand, applying early may give you less time to prepare your application and research your college options. In addition, Early Decision is binding and will prevent you from comparing your financial aid options, if applicable.

For advice on whether applying early makes sense for you, read this advice from NACAC, the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.