Early Decision vs. Early Action

Today we’re talking about Early Decision vs Early Action college admission options, which are typically due November 1 or 15, and occasionally a little earlier or later.

Applying early gives you a number of advantages in terms of getting accepted to your top-choice college, as the numbers show us by what percent of students they accept for the early round:

Number one, fewer students take advantage of that early application, which means colleges have more time to look at your application and get to know the real you. Number two, it shows them how sincerely you are interested in their college by giving them demonstrated interest. And number three, it shows them you’re the kind of student who will get your work done early for extra credit and not put things off until the last minute; those qualities will help you succeed at their college.

The big difference is that Early Decision is binding, so if you apply via Early Decision and you get, you’re going to that college: you’ve committed. So only apply via Early Decision to one college, and only if it is your #1 top-choice college. Otherwise, you should apply for Early Action admissions.

Some colleges offer both options and some offer neither, but some only offer one or the other, so make sure to read that fine print carefully—and look out for “restrictive” Early Action.

If you need more help with Early Decision vs Early Action, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 732-556-8220. We are here to help.