As I'm deciding when to apply to colleges, I'm debating between early action and regular decision. What are the main differences? Is it worth it to go for early action, or is waiting for regular better?
Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) differ primarily in terms of the application deadline and when you'll receive a decision from a college. EA applications are typically due in November, with decisions usually released in December, while RD deadlines are later (often by 1st January or after) with decisions released around March or April.
One significant advantage to applying EA is that you can get a decision sooner and potentially be relieved of the stress of college admissions earlier in your senior year. It can also be a strategic move if you have a strong application ready to go early in the season. Schools usually accept a higher proportion of early applicants, which can lead to a slight increase in your chances of admission.
However, EA might not be the best course of action if your application isn't as strong as it could be by the EA deadline. If you need the first semester of your senior year to improve your grades, or if you're waiting on the results of later standardized testing dates, it might be better to wait and apply RD.
Also, keep in mind that if you choose to apply early decision (ED), it is a binding commitment, while EA is non-binding.
In all cases, the “best” choice depends on the timeline that works best for your individual circumstances and the requirements of your preferred schools. Many students apply EA to their top choice school, then RD to the others. Do which ever feels most comfortable for you and allows you to put your best foot forward.
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