When my son and daughter were applying to colleges, the main thing their high schools emphasized about admissions deadlines was tracking; staying on top of the details no matter if they were applying through early decision, early action, regular decision or another option.
Although this advice is one key to success, an even bigger point about admissions deadlines that I wish schools would emphasize more to families is the importance of students applying to colleges at the earliest date possible, whether Early Decision or Early Action.
Why? Because submitting early at most colleges can significantly increase your chances for admissions and scholarships compared to Regular Decision. (It's true! Check out this article from U.S. News.)
That being said, since these deadlines are in fact, much earlier than Regular Decision deadlines, students must plan well in advance. Many of these deadlines fall between November 1 and December 1. Which means students need to start their applications well in advance – as early as the Spring of their Junior year – in order to complete all the required application details in time.
In addition, it is important for students to understand the different types of early admissions programs that are common at many colleges. Some are binding and/or require you to commit to one school above all others without knowing financial award specifics from other schools.
We recommend you read the information below, then thoroughly research the individual details of any early admissions options at the schools where you're applying, to be sure you understand all the finer details.
Early Decision (ED). Early Decision programs are the most restrictive. You certify that you will only apply to one school through ED. And, ED is binding: If you are admitted, you agree to accept and withdraw your applications to other schools immediately, oftentimes without being able to compare financial aid packages from other schools. Some schools offer two ED deadlines, one in November and the other in January. ED applicants typically hear back by December. If you are not accepted through ED, it's not the end of the road, as most schools will reevaluate your application later with the Regular Decision applicants.
Early Action (EA). Early Action is frequently the early deadline of choice for many students since this option can still increase your odds of acceptance and scholarships, but are non-binding and don't restrict you from applying to other schools through EA. Another benefit to EA is that like ED, candidates typically receive an admissions decision much earlier than with Regular Decision, oftentimes by the end of December.
Restrictive Early Action (REA)/Single-Choice Early Action. Restrictive Early Action and Single-Choice Early Action programs are different from ED in that they are non-binding. You can apply early and hear back early. However, colleges typically restrict candidates in that they cannot apply to other schools as ED and/or EA candidates.
Need help with choosing the right deadlines and other important admissions decisions? RingTrue has you covered. Read more about how we can help today.
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