Early Action vs. Early Decision for College Application deadlines

Early action is non–binding. This means you are not required to attend if you are accepted. It’s OK to say “no thanks” if your situation changes when you’ve been accepted for early action admissions. You may also apply early action to multiple colleges. Early action deadlines usually fall at the same time as early decision.

The obvious advantage of early action over early decision is the opportunity it gives you to apply to, and ultimately compare financial aid packages from several schools. If you are accepted early decision, you risk missing the admission deadlines of other schools while you wait for your award package to arrive. If that award is lackluster, your options are fewer.

Early decision is legally binding. This means if you are accepted through early decision, you are legally committed to attending that school (even if your financial aid does not work out), and will withdraw any applications you may have submitted for the regular deadlines at other schools. You may not apply to more than one college under early decision. If you are not accepted, you will either be rejected or deferred. Rejected applicants may not apply again that year. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered during the regular admission period, and are free to apply to other schools.

Early decision deadlines are often in November, and students are typically notified of the decision in December.