Applying early can have a positive or negative impact on your college admission result.
Do you know the difference between early action, restricted early action, early decision and rolling admission? The following is an overview of the major early application programs.
Early Action
Early Decision vs. Early Action
I would recommend early decision for those students who have thoroughly researched a school, are madly in love with the school and have determined that there is no other school on earth for them to attend. These students are aware of the price tag and in some cases have the financial means to attend the college. They know they are legally bound to attend the school and are happy to do so. It is not a good idea to apply early decision if you do not have strong academics and are not competitive.
Early Action is a better option if you are in need of financial aid. You will be able to compare and contrast financial aid offers from other schools which may offer more aid. If your grades are competitive, you are more likely to stand out in the early action or rolling admissions pool. The key is to apply early no matter what program you decide. Applying early shows the school that you have “demonstrated interest” which can be just as effective as applying early decision or early action.
Early Action vs. Rolling Admission
If you haven’t made up your mind where you would like to attend by November 15, you still have time to apply to schools with rolling admissions. I would highly recommend applying to rolling admission schools by December 15.
Early Action
- Non-binding agreement
- Apply November 1-15
- Receive admissions decision by mid-December
- Reply by May 1
- No restrictions on other early application submissions.
- Non-binding agreement used by some highly competitive schools
- Apply by November 1, get a response by mid-December.
- Cannot apply early decision to other colleges
- Reply by May 1
- May apply early action or rolling admissions to other schools.
- Binding contract application
- Apply November 1-15
- Admission decision by mid-December
- If admitted, legally bound to attend that particular school.
- Cannot apply early decision to any other college.
- Applications decided upon as they are received
- Applications accepted early September to a published deadline
- Reply by May 1.
- Can apply early to any other college.
Early Decision vs. Early Action
I would recommend early decision for those students who have thoroughly researched a school, are madly in love with the school and have determined that there is no other school on earth for them to attend. These students are aware of the price tag and in some cases have the financial means to attend the college. They know they are legally bound to attend the school and are happy to do so. It is not a good idea to apply early decision if you do not have strong academics and are not competitive.
Early Action is a better option if you are in need of financial aid. You will be able to compare and contrast financial aid offers from other schools which may offer more aid. If your grades are competitive, you are more likely to stand out in the early action or rolling admissions pool. The key is to apply early no matter what program you decide. Applying early shows the school that you have “demonstrated interest” which can be just as effective as applying early decision or early action.
Early Action vs. Rolling Admission
If you haven’t made up your mind where you would like to attend by November 15, you still have time to apply to schools with rolling admissions. I would highly recommend applying to rolling admission schools by December 15.