Applying early is a very USA-centric idea. Few, if any other systems around the world operate in such a way. But not only do some schools offer multiple rounds of review, the rounds are not a level playing field, which means that there may be advantages to applying early. But who should apply early is just part of the puzzle. To be able to learn about an admission offer early should be an advantage, but it is much more complicated than this. There are many considerations both on the applicant's side and on the university side, and no longer is this a binary option; multiple nuances exist. Learn more about the pros and cons of such a weighty decision.
Types of Admissions Programs
See below for a breakdown of the types of admission programs. What is important to note is that not all schools offer all of the below. These are all in comparison to Regular Decision (RD) which is the established regular deadline for a school to accept applications, which varies greatly in the US (usually January 1 to mid-February).
Early DecisionEarly decision (ED) allows a student to apply to one school early with the agreement that the student will hear a result early as well. The result is binding, meaning that if accepted, the student will enroll/attend. A "one shot" so to speak, as the student must withdraw/cancel any other apps and offers if accepted. If a student is denied or deferred to the regular round, they may apply elsewhere.
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Early ActionEarly action (EA) allows applicants to apply before the regular deadline and receive a decision earlier, although it is not binding. This means that students can apply to and receive offers from other schools up until the deposits are due (usually May 1).
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Restrictive Early ActionLike EA, this is an early app/early notification process that is not-binding, but comes with restrictions. For example, a student can apply to one school REA, and perhaps other schools EA, but not to a school ED. It is important to pay attention to the wording of the agreement when selecting this choice.
Here is my summary of admission programs along with considerations, advantages, and risks.
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Other Considerations
ED tends to be an option offered by private schools. Here is a list by Prep Scholar but it is important to remember this can change often as schools wage their wants and needs. Always check with the school's admissions page. ED is binding, which means that students who need to shop for financial aid are not able to use it well. And while the ED rates maybe be higher than the RD acceptance rates, it tends to be a specific class. high income, high performing students make up a large amount of the applicants, as might legacies, children of donors and professors, and recruited talent (athletes, musicians, artists, etc.) Schools using ED can accept 40-60% (or more) of their class in this method, leaving little room for other students later.
Who Should Apply Early?
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Who Should Not
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The Strategic Game
- Should you apply early to college? CNBC looks into who applies early and more importantly, why.
- An edge for the wealthy: How ED benefits the rich (Washington Post)
- Class of 2027 Early Admission Statistics at Ivy and Elite Colleges