Would regular decision be better for University of Wisconsin–Madison?

I'm thinking of applying to UW–Madison, but I'm not sure whether I should go for regular decision. Would that give me more time to improve my application, or am I risking something by waiting?

Both Regular Decision and Early Action (EA) have their own advantages when it comes to university applications. If you apply for Early Action, the key benefit is that you'll get your decision earlier, which could alleviate some of the stress of waiting. However, Early Action decisions for UW–Madison are typically released in mid-December, but they can take until January 31. You'll have to weigh this potential stress reduction against the earlier deadline.

On the other hand, a major advantage of Regular Decision is indeed the extra time. It allows you more time to refine your application, adding achievements or experiences that occur during your senior year of high school. It also provides additional time to prepare a strong application without the rush to meet an early deadline.

One consideration that may influence your decision is the difference in acceptance rates between early and regular decision applicants. If the acceptance rate is notably higher for those who apply early, it could be in your favor to submit your application sooner. However, I don't have exact numbers for UW–Madison's EA vs. RD acceptance rates.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that it remains paramount to present the best version of your application, regardless of the deadline you decide to hit. Therefore, choose the option that best allows you to effectively express your passion for the university and how you would contribute to its community.