Early Action

Benefits

Early Action (EA): A non-binding early application. The deadline is usually November 1. Admissions decisions are typically released from mid-December to late-January. You can apply to as many EA universities as you like. You do not have to withdraw/decline any applications/offers if you are admitted.

• A complete list of EA schools

Restrictive Early Action (REA)/Single Choice Early Action (SCEA): A non-binding early application mostly used by selective universities. However, applicants are generally barred from applying to private universities through early action/decision. The rules differ from college to college so make sure you verify school-specific policies. Typically, if you apply to a college through REA/SCEA, you are not permitted to ED/EA to another private institution, though you can apply EA to any number of public schools. 

• A complete list of REA/SCEA schools, including their individual ED/EA policies

• ​You will receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February).
• A higher chance of admission!
• Consider acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt.
• You can still apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.

Who Is it For?

• Students that have researched colleges extensively.
• Students that are  absolutely sure that the college is the first choice.
• Students that found that the colleges meets all their fit factors(college lists process)- a strong match academically, socially and geographically.
• A student that meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college for SAT/ACT scores, GPA and class rank.

Early Decision

Early Decision (ED): A contractual agreement with a college (signed by you, your guardian, and your guidance counselor) which states that if you are accepted, you are obligated to attend and to withdraw/decline all other applications/offers. You can only apply to one school ED. The deadline is usually November 1. Admissions decisions typically release around mid-December.

• You can break an ED contract if you have an exceptional circumstance, such as an inability to pay. 
• A complete list of ED schools

Early Decision II (ED2): Similar to ED. The only difference is the deadline, which is usually January 1. Admissions decisions typically release around mid-February.

• A complete list of ED2 schools

Benefits

• Provides you with a significant statistical advantage in the application process. 
• You are done with the college application process!!(ED Is binding)
• You will receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February).
  

Who Is it For?

• If financial need is an important factor for you(this does not matter if the college practices 100% demonstrated need)
• Students who are set on a certain college with utmost certainty 
• You can picture yourself at this particular university, and you would automatically go if you were accepted
• Students that have researched colleges extensively.
• A student that meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college for SAT/ACT scores, GPA and class rank.