College Admissions

There are three types of application timelines and policies used by hundreds of colleges and universities: Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), and Regular Decision (RD). Understanding the differences between the three options is crucial, especially if you are applying to highly competitive universities. 

Early Action vs Early Decision vs Regular Decision

Early Action (EA)

Early Action (EA) allows applicants to apply ahead of the deadline for Regular Decision applicants. You need to apply earlier, but typically it’s an opportunity to receive an admission decision sooner, without any commitment to attend the school if you’re accepted. It is non-binding and students are not obligated to accept the offer. 

• Non-binding agreement: If accepted, you're not obliged to enroll.

• Early timelines: Submit your application and receive a decision earlier than RD applicants.

• Application deadlines: Early Action deadlines typically fall around November 1st.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Receiving an early admission decision can reduce stress; it provides you more time to plan for college.

• Cons: A shorter application window might mean less time to polish your application.

Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision (ED) allows applicants to apply ahead of the Regular Decision deadline. It is a binding agreement in which the students commits to attending the university if they are granted admission.  Because it is a binding agreement, students can only apply to one school via Early Decision and must be willing to decline all other offers and/or rescind all other college applications if they are admitted via ED. 

Key Characteristics

• Binding agreement: Acceptance means you must enroll and withdraw all other applications.

• Expressed interest: Shows the college you're certain it's your top choice.

• Application deadlines: ED deadlines, like EA deadlines, typically fall around November 1st.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Some colleges might have higher ED acceptance rates, so by applying before the ED deadline you would have better odds, statistically at least, of getting admitted —a reward for your timely application and your demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the school.

• Cons: The binding nature can complicate financial aid negotiations and it limits your flexibility because you would be required to decline admissions offers from other schools.

Regular Decision (RD)

Regular Decision is the traditional college application route, typically with an application deadline in the late winter or early spring and a decision letter arriving in mid to late spring.

Key Characteristics

• Non-binding agreement: Like EA, you're not committed if accepted.

• Standard timelines: Longer preparation window, with decisions typically announced in spring.

• Application deadlines: Deadlines for RD range from mid-December to mid-January for most schools.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: More time to bolster your application, gather recommendations, and potentially earn scholarships. Easier to meet application deadlines.

• Cons: Longer wait for decisions and potential for increased competition with a larger applicant pool.