What is the difference between UW Madison regular decision and early action?

I'm trying to figure out whether to apply regular decision or early action to UW Madison. What are the main differences in terms of notification dates and admission chances?

When applying to UW Madison, you can choose between Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision (RD). They primarily differ in the application and notification dates as well as acceptance rates.

For Early Action, the deadline is typically November 1. The advantage of applying EA is that you get an admissions decision earlier, typically around mid-December. This way, you can relax during winter break knowing you've been admitted to at least one college.

In terms of Regular Decision, the deadline usually falls on February 1. RD applicants typically receive their decisions around the end of March.

As for admission chances, applying EA could potentially give you a very slight advantage. Higher acceptance rates for EA compared to RD are somewhat common at universities throughout the U.S. Though specifics can vary annually, on average, applying EA can increase your chances of being accepted by a small but meaningful margin.

However, it's crucial to remember that the most important factor is the quality of your application. If you feel that you could significantly enhance your application with additional time, then it might be worth considering applying Regular Decision. On the other hand, if your application is already strong and well-rounded by fall of your senior year, applying EA can be a good option, with the added benefit of finding out your admission status earlier.