Hey folks, I'm considering sending my application to Penn State under their early action. Can someone explain what makes it different from regular decision and should I consider it?
Early Action (EA) allows you to apply to Penn State earlier than the Regular Decision deadline and receive a decision sooner, typically by January or early February. The EA deadline usually lands in November.
The difference between EA and Regular Decision mainly lies in the timing. If you apply via EA, you receive your admissions decision earlier which can help you make your college decision sooner. Also, it might be easier for admissions officials to admit you when they still have plenty of spots left in the incoming class early in the application cycle.
However, you need to be prepared. For EA, you'll have to finish your application, which includes your essays and gathering letters of recommendation, much earlier. But don't rush to meet the EA deadline if it means compromising the quality of your application.
One key point here: Early Action at Penn State is non-binding, unlike Early Decision at some schools. This means that even if you get accepted, you are not obligated to attend and can still apply to other colleges Regular Decision and wait to decide where to attend until the national deadline, May 1st.
Check your readiness and the completeness of your application. If you're feeling confident, applying EA can be a great move. But rest assured, applying Regular Decision won't hurt your chances, as admissions officers use the same criteria to evaluate the applications in both rounds.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.