Restrictive Early Action vs Early Decision - What's the Difference?

I'm trying to decide between applying restrictive early action and early decision to my dream school. Can anyone break down the main differences and pros and cons of each? I'm nervous about making the wrong choice!

Certainly, let's break these down:

1. Restrictive Early Action (REA):

The first difference lies in the commitment level. REA is non-binding, which means that if you're accepted, you're under no obligation to attend. This gives you the flexibility to compare offers from other colleges in the spring. However, the "restrictive" part means that you usually can't apply to any other private institutions in the United States on an early basis and are expected to withdraw your application from these schools if you're admitted REA.

In terms of pros, REA often intimate earlier decision notification, allowing less waiting time. Any rejection or deferral allows you to reconsider your Regular Decision choices early on.

The cons lie primarily in the limited amount of schools to which you can apply early. This could potentially limit your chances of early admission elsewhere but doesn't impact regular decision applications.

2. Early Decision (ED):

ED is binding. When you apply ED, you're making a commitment to enroll if you're accepted. You can only apply to one school ED, but you can apply to other schools under non-binding plans.

The most significant pro of ED is that it's often associated with higher admission rates. This is because schools appreciate the commitment level and the positive impact it has on their yield rates. However, a major con is that if you're accepted, you must withdraw your applications from all other colleges. This leaves no room for comparison in terms of financial aid offers or any other deciding factors for your final college choice.

Remember, you should not apply ED unless you're 100% sure about attending that school and are confident your financial situation can support it. Use the school's net price calculator to estimate your financial aid package before applying.

So, to sum up, your choice between REA and ED really comes down to your commitment level. If you have a clear first-choice school and your finances are sorted, ED might be for you. If you'd like the chance to compare offers in the spring, then REA is the better choice. It is important to understand the rules for each plan as they can vary by school.