How does early action compare to regular decision?

I'm trying to decide between applying early action or regular decision to my top choice schools. What are the major differences, and would early action give me a significant advantage in the admissions process?

One significant difference between Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) is the timeline. Applying EA means you'll be submitting your application earlier, typically around November or December depending on the school, and you'll hear back earlier, generally around December or January. On the other hand, applying RD means you have until January or February to submit your application, and you'll typically get a decision around March or April.

There is a potential advantage to applying EA in that statistically, admission rates can be a bit higher for EA applicants compared to RD. Applying EA demonstrates a level of interest and commitment to a school, and it can convey to admissions officers that this school is a priority for you. According to data, applying ED (which is binding, unlike EA) can result in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools. Applying EA also boosts your chances, but the effect is smaller since you’re not obligated to attend if accepted. This is just an average statistic, so it can vary quite a lot from school to school.

Another significant advantage of EA is that by applying and hearing back early, you'll have more time to make your final decision, especially if cost is a factor and you need to compare financial aid packages.

However, it's crucial to bear in mind that your application must be strong and complete by the EA deadline. If that means rushing or compromising on the quality of your essays or other components of your application, the extra time to polish your application and apply RD might very well be worth it.

In conclusion, if you're ready to submit a strong application by the EA deadline, it might be advantageous to do so. However, this decision should also depend on your individual context, and you should feel comfortable taking the extra time to apply RD if you need it.