What Does Early Action Mean When Applying to College: Understanding EA and ED

With 53% of studentsapplying early action and 13% applying early decision in the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, applying early has now become a majority practice amongst college hopefuls. But what does early action mean when applying to college, how is it different than early decision, and why would you choose to apply earlier? In this article, we'll be covering all things Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) in this article, answering questions like:

1. What is Early Action and Early Decision in college admissions?
2. How does EA/ED affect financial aid options?
3. What are the pros and cons of applying early action or early decision?
4. How competitive is the early action and early decision process?
5. What is the application timeline for EA and ED?

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What Does Early Action Mean When Applying to College?

Early Action (EA) is an application plan that allows students to apply to college and receive their admissions decision earlier than the regular decision timeline. With EA, you typically submit your application by November 1st or 15th, and you can expect to receive a response by mid-December. This early response helps students plan ahead without the stress of waiting for regular decision timelines, which often extend into the spring.

The key advantage of Early Action is that it’s non-binding. This means that if you’re accepted, you’re not obligated to attend that school. You still have the freedom to apply to other colleges, compare financial aid offers, and make your final decision by the national deadline of May 1st. This flexibility makes EA an appealing option for students who want an early answer without the pressure of committing right away.

Types of Early Action: Single-Choice and Non-Restrictive

There are two main types of Early Action to consider:

• Non-Restrictive Early Action: This option allows you to apply EA to multiple colleges. You receive early notifications from each school but aren’t limited to applying to only one. Most colleges that offer EA fall under this non-restrictive category.
• Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA): Also known as Restrictive Early Action, SCEA limits you to applying early to just one school. While this option is still non-binding, it restricts you from applying EA to other schools, although you can still apply regular decision to as many schools as you want.

What Are the Benefits of Applying Early Action?

Many students choose Early Action for the peace of mind that comes with an early response, along with the flexibility to explore other college options. Here are some of the primary benefits:

1. Earlier decision, less stress
2. Time to compare financial aid offers
3. Possibly higher acceptance rates
4. More access to programs and housing

Earlier Decision, Less Stress

Knowing where you stand with your application by December can relieve a lot of stress and allow you to focus on other parts of your senior year. Applying early means avoiding the crush of regular decision applicants who submit their applications closer to the final deadlines. The fewer applications a school is processing at any given time, the more likely your application will be noticed and thoroughly reviewed.

Time to Compare Financial Aid Offers

Since EA is non-binding, you can compare financial aid offers from multiple schools, helping you make a financially informed choice. Many schools also allocate financial aid and merit-based scholarships on a rolling basis, with early applicants receiving first consideration. As funds are often limited, applying early can help ensure that you’re considered for the best financial aid packages and scholarships before they run out.

Possibly Higher Acceptance Rates

Some schools may have slightly higher acceptance rates for EA applicants. For example, some universities may accept up to 50% of their incoming class from early applicants, compared to much lower acceptance rates for regular decision candidates. The increased acceptance odds give early applicants a leg up over the competition.

More Access to Programs and Housing

Applying early can also give students an advantage when it comes to securing coveted programs or housing. Many schools have limited spots in high-demand majors or first-year dorms. Early applicants may have a better shot at getting their preferred program or housing arrangement, as schools tend to prioritize early applicants when assigning spots.

This advantage may not be as obvious, but for students looking to live in specific dorms or participate in specialized programs (like honors programs), applying early can be a key factor.

What Does Early Decision Mean When Applying to College?

Early Decision (ED) is another application option that allows students to apply to college early, typically with a deadline around November 1st. Unlike Early Action (EA), however, Early Decision is binding. This means that if you are accepted to a school through ED, you are required to attend and must withdraw any other college applications. ED is a strong commitment to your first-choice school, signaling to the admissions office that you are highly dedicated to attending if admitted.

With Early Decision, you can expect to receive an admissions decision around mid-December, allowing you to finalize your college plans much sooner than students applying through the regular decision process.

Main Differences Between Early Action and Early Decision

While EA and ED share the commonality of early deadlines and notifications, their differences are crucial for applicants to understand:

• Binding vs. Non-Binding: The most important difference is that Early Decision is binding, while Early Action is not. With ED, if you’re accepted, you must enroll, whereas with EA, you have the option to accept or decline the offer.
• Commitment Level: Early Decision represents a significant commitment, and it should only be chosen by students who are 100% sure about attending a particular school. Early Action, on the other hand, gives students flexibility to keep exploring other college options.
• Financial Aid Considerations: With Early Decision, you typically forfeit the ability to compare financial aid offers from other schools since you must commit to the ED school if accepted. By contrast, Early Action allows you to review and compare financial aid packages before making a final decision, so you'll have more time finding a scholarship that's the best fit for you.
• Application Restrictions: Early Decision only allows you to apply early to one school. Some students may find EA more appealing if they want to apply early to multiple schools without committing to one right away.

Should I Apply Early Decision, Not Early Action?

Well, that depends. Here's a checklist and some reasoning for choosing to apply early decision:

1. I have a clear first-choice school
2. I am financially prepared
3. I have a strong application ready to go
4. I am comfortable with committing

I Have a Clear First-Choice School

Early Decision is ideal for students who have a definitive “dream school” or top choice they’re ready to commit to. If you’ve researched your top choice thoroughly—visited the campus, learned about academic programs, and explored student life—and feel confident that it’s the right fit, ED can be a strategic way to increase your chances of acceptance. ED applications often show admissions committees that you are deeply committed to attending, which can positively influence their decision.

I Am Financially Prepared

Because Early Decision is binding, students accepted through ED usually won’t have the chance to compare financial aid offers from other schools. If you’re planning to apply ED, it’s important to discuss finances with your family beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with this arrangement. Many ED applicants apply knowing they’re likely to afford their top-choice school or are eligible for strong financial aid packages that meet their needs. If financial flexibility is essential to you, consider whether ED aligns with your goals.

I Have a Strong Application Ready to Go

The ED deadline is typically early—around November 1st—meaning students need to have a well-rounded, competitive application ready to go by fall of their senior year. This includes high grades, a compelling personal statement, and any standardized test scores required by the college. ED is a good fit for students who have maintained a high level of academic performance, have completed their test prep early, and feel that their application reflects their best work by this point in their senior year. It could also prevent you from having burnout during the college application season if you get accepted!

I Am Comfortable with Committing

Applying ED requires a strong sense of readiness and comfort with the commitment. If you’re the type of student who thrives on knowing your college plans early and is confident about attending your ED school if accepted, then this path might be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re uncertain or would like to explore a variety of options throughout the year, you may want to consider Early Action or regular decision instead.

FAQs on Early Action and Early Decision

Navigating early application options can be confusing, especially with the differences between Early Action and Early Decision. Here are some of the most common questions students have about EA and ED, with clear answers to help guide you through the process:

1. How does early action affect financial aid options?
2. Can I apply early action to multiple schools?
3. Are there any downsides to applying early action?
4. How competitive is the early action process?

How Does Early Action Affect Financial Aid Options?

One of the biggest advantages of Early Action is that it’s non-binding, which allows you to keep your options open, including financial aid. When you apply EA, you can wait until all of your college acceptances and financial aid offers arrive before making a decision. This means you have the flexibility to compare financial aid packages from multiple schools, which is particularly helpful if cost is a deciding factor in your college choice.

By contrast, Early Decision doesn’t offer the same flexibility. Since ED is binding, you must commit to that school upon acceptance, even if the financial aid offer is lower than expected. For students who want to consider various financial aid options, Early Action may be the better choice.

Can I Apply Early Action to Multiple Schools?

Yes, in most cases, you can apply Early Action to multiple schools. This type of EA is known as Non-Restrictive Early Action, and it allows you to apply early to several colleges, receiving decisions by December without the obligation to attend any specific one. However, some schools offer Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) or Restrictive Early Action, which means you can only apply early to one school under their specific EA program. If you’re interested in applying to multiple schools early, be sure to check each school’s policies on EA to avoid any conflicts.

Are There Any Downsides to Applying Early Action?

While Early Action can be an appealing choice, it does have a few potential downsides:

• Earlier Deadlines: EA requires you to complete your application by early November, which can add extra pressure to finalize essays, gather recommendation letters, and complete testing well in advance of regular decision deadlines.
• Higher Standards at Some Schools: At highly selective colleges, EA pools can be competitive, and admissions committees may expect EA applicants to demonstrate a strong commitment to the college, even though EA is non-binding.
• Possible Limitations with Single-Choice EA: If your chosen school offers Single-Choice EA, you’ll be restricted from applying EA to other schools, which could limit your early options.

How Competitive is the Early Action Process?

The competitiveness of Early Action can vary significantly depending on the college. Generally, some selective colleges may have slightly higher acceptance rates in the EA pool, as it signals a student’s interest and early readiness. However, EA still tends to be competitive at top colleges, where strong academic performance, test scores, and extracurricular involvement are essential for a successful application.

While EA may offer a small admissions advantage at certain schools, it’s important to remember that EA does not carry the same commitment as ED, and students are not guaranteed admission simply by applying early.

Important Deadlines and Timeline for Early Action and Early Decision

Applying Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) means working on a different timeline than the regular decision process. Both options require you to submit your application by fall of your senior year, often months before regular decision deadlines. To make the most of these early applications, here’s a suggested college admissions timeline to help you stay on track:

• Spring of Junior Year (March - May)

  • Start Researching Schools: Begin identifying colleges that offer EA and ED options, decide if either approach aligns with your goals, and prepare questions to ask your college admissions counselor.
  • Prepare for Standardized Tests: If you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores, take your first test in the spring, leaving time to retake it if needed.
  • Visit Campuses: Visiting your top-choice schools can help you decide if ED is a good fit for your first-choice school. You can also attend a college fair if traveling to each college is not available.

• Summer Before Senior Year (June - August)

  • Finalize Your College List: Narrow down the schools to which you’ll apply EA or ED, and check their specific application policies and deadlines.
  • Draft Your Personal Statement and Essays: Use the summer to work on your college essays. Aim to have a solid draft ready by the end of August.
  • Request Letters of Recommendation: Reach out to teachers and counselors in advance, letting them know you’ll need recommendations by early fall.

• Early Fall of Senior Year (September)

  • Polish Your Application Materials: Review your essays, resume, and any other required documents to ensure they reflect your best work.
  • Submit Testing Scores: Send your SAT or ACT scores to your chosen EA or ED schools if you’re submitting them.
  • Double-Check Application Requirements: Confirm each school’s specific EA or ED deadlines and requirements, ensuring everything is complete.

• Application Deadline (November 1st or 15th)

  • Submit Your EA or ED Application: Most EA and ED deadlines fall around November 1st or 15th. Submit your application, taking time to review all details and ensuring no parts are missing.
  • Track Your Submission: After submitting, confirm receipt through the college’s portal or your application service (like the Common App), and watch for any follow-up communications from the admissions office.

• Mid-December: Decision Notification

  • Receive Your EA or ED Decision: By mid-December, you’ll typically receive your decision. EA applicants have the flexibility to wait for regular decision responses, while ED applicants, if accepted, must commit to attending.

Applying Early Action Is a Breeze with Answer.AI

Ultimately, the decision to apply Early Action or Early Decision is a personal one. Whether you are undecided or have all of your ducks in a row, we're here to help you with college apps, homework, and beyond. With Answer.AI, you can talk to our College Counselor and Scholarship Advisor agents to ask any questions regarding your applications and receive personalized recommendations on what to apply for and why. Download Answer.AI now on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Chrome Web Store! You can also check out our blogs and events for more free resources on the college admissions process, study tips, and more.

Want to learn more about how to crush the college application cycle? Read some of our guides:

• College admissions interview questions
• Common app essay tips
• Make your activities sound 10x better to admissions