Georgetown Early Action vs. Regular Decision Pros and Cons

Can someone explain the advantages and disadvantages of applying early action versus regular decision at Georgetown? I'm trying to decide which route might be better for me and want to weigh all my options.

Applying Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) at Georgetown have several pros and cons that can influence your decision.

Pros of Early Action:

1. Earlier Decision Notification: Applying EA means you'll receive your decision earlier, usually in mid-December. This early notification could provide relief from the suspenseful waiting.

2. Increased Admission Odds: While Georgetown doesn't publish EA vs. RD acceptance rates, data suggest that applying EA can boost chances at other selective schools even when controlling for the strength of applicants' profiles. But remember, the most essential factor is the strength and quality of your application.

3. Non-binding: Unlike Early Decision, EA is non-binding at Georgetown, meaning you're not committed to attend if accepted. This flexibility allows you to compare other admission offers and financial aid packages in the spring.

Cons of Early Action:

1. Less Time to Improve Application: The EA deadline is earlier (November 1st), so you have less time to enhance your application. If you feel your senior year grades or extracurriculars could significantly boost your application, then RD might be better to capture these improvements.

2. Limited Applicable EA Schools: Georgetown's EA policy is restrictive, meaning you cannot apply EA to any private colleges if you apply EA to Georgetown.

Pros of Regular Decision:

1. More Time for Application: RD provides more time to work on your essays, gather recommendations, and improve grades or test scores if needed. This can result in a stronger application, especially if you need the first semester of your senior year to boost your GPA or undertake significant extracurriculars.

Cons of Regular Decision:

1. Later Decision Notification: RD results come out in April, which doesn't leave a lot of time to make decisions if you're admitted to multiple schools.

In conclusion, the better route depends on your individual circumstances. If your candidacy is strong and you're ready to submit an outstanding application by November 1, then Early Action could be beneficial. If you feel you could significantly improve your application by waiting, then Regular Decision might be more advantageous.