Understanding College Admissions: Early Action vs. Early Decision
By Amy S on Updated:
If you’re reading this, you are most likely in the midst of applying, or preparing to apply, to colleges all across the country. One thing is for sure–no matter how prepared you are, it can still be a perplexing process for both students and parents. One point of confusion: early action vs. early decision.
According to College Board, approximately 450 colleges have early decision or early action plans, and some have both. Some colleges offer a nonbinding option called single-choice early action, under which applicants may not apply ED or EA to any other college.
Let’s break it down: Yes, they are both college admissions choices that require students and parents to act before typical deadlines. However, one comes significantly before the other and different actions have to be taken to complete each task.
Early Action
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, early action means that “students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.”
Meaning students should (via College Board):
- Apply early.
- Receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February).
- Consider an acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt.
- Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.
- Give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date.
Early Decision
The National Association for College Admission Counseling describes early decision as a process in which “students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll and withdraw all other applications.” The commitment part is key.
According to College Board, “Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding — students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1.”
Meaning students should (via College Board):
- Apply early (usually in November!) to first-choice college.
- Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December).
- Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family.
- Apply to only one college early decision.
- Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.
- Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED.
- Send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1.
So, which is best for you?
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