Early Action vs Regular Decision: What's the Difference?

I'm trying to understand the difference between applying Early Action and Regular Decision. What are the main distinctions, and how should they influence my decision on when to submit my applications?

The choice between Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) can be quite nuanced and depends on a variety of factors.

EA is designed to allow students to apply to colleges and receive a decision earlier than the RD deadline. Under this system, you can apply to a school (or multiple schools) by an early deadline (usually in November), and will typically hear back by mid-December. If accepted, you have until May 1 (National Decision Day) to make a decision and are not obligated to attend the school, unlike the binding Early Decision (ED) option. This is a great choice if you have a college that you're seriously considering but aren't 100% committed to attending.

On the other hand, RD has a later deadline, typically around January or February. The decisions for RD applicants are usually released in April. This is the most common admission plan for most colleges and therefore, has larger pools of applicants.

The decision whether to apply EA or RD can be influenced by various factors. One important factor is preparedness—both in terms of your academic record and your ability to compile a strong application. If you're pleased with your grades and SAT/ACT scores by the beginning of senior year and you have a compelling, well-rounded application, EA could be a beneficial choice as it allows you to show strong interest in a school and maybe even increase your chances of acceptance at some schools. However, if you're hoping to show colleges an upward trend in your grades during your senior year or planning to retake standardized tests, RD might be more suitable.

Keep in mind that many colleges have different levels of selectivity during different application periods. Some schools might be more selective during EA because they tend to receive applications from very strong candidates during this period. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply EA—just be aware that the decision process can be quite competitive.

In essence, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to your question—think about your own situation, goals, and where you stand as an applicant before deciding to apply EA or RD. Good luck!