Is early action harder than regular decision to get into college?

I'm considering early action applications but heard it might be more competitive than regular decision. Do colleges generally have stricter standards for early action, or is this just a myth?

It's a very relatable concern when thinking about applying early action versus regular decision. Generally speaking, early action may seem more competitive because many highly motivated students with strong profiles apply early, but the standards of admission aren't necessarily stricter.

The idea that early action is 'harder' is not entirely accurate. The acceptance rates can sometimes be higher for early action, but this is likely due to the self-selecting group of applicants who choose to apply early, who may have stronger academics and overall applications. However, this doesn't mean that the admission process itself is more rigorous or the standards are higher. Rather, the pool of students applying early can be more competitive than the regular decision pool.

Keep in mind that applying through early action can sometimes give you a bit of an advantage because it shows the school that you're serious about attending. Some colleges also state that they accept a certain percentage of their incoming class from early action applicants, which could potentially increase your chances.

Just remember to approach the decision to apply early action based on what suits your application strengths and timeline best. If you're satisfied with your academic stats, and extracurricular achievements, and have your application polished by the early deadline, it can be a good route to consider. Also, ensure that you're happy with the binding nature of Early Decision at certain schools before submitting an application under this plan.