Can someone explain the differences between applying through regular decision versus early action, especially in how it affects deadlines and notification dates? Trying to decide which option is best for me.
Absolutely, happy to break it down for you!
In the world of college applications, Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) are two different types of admission plans that a student could choose from when applying.
Early Action implies, as the name suggests, that you apply earlier than the regular decision deadline. Typically, EA deadlines fall on or around November 1st. By choosing Early Action, you'll receive your admission decision from the college early, often in mid-December. This could give you a bit more peace of mind, since you'll know where you stand with at least one school much sooner. EA is not binding, meaning you aren't obliged to enroll if you're accepted.
Regular Decision, on the other hand, carries a later deadline, usually on or around January 1st, though some schools may have slightly earlier or later deadlines. Decisions for RD applicants typically arrive in late March or early April. Regular Decision is also non-binding.
There are a couple of considerations for students deciding between EA and RD. First off, you might opt for EA if you have a clear top-choice college and you want to demonstrate your interest to them. You could also use EA if you feel your application is solid and doesn't need the added time to improve that the RD timeline offers (for instance, you don't need your first semester senior year grades or an additional round of test scores to strengthen your application).
On the other hand, you might choose RD if you need more time to put together your application, improve your GPA, or secure your test scores. It might also be the better choice if you're applying to a large number of schools and want to spread out your workload.
Remember, though, that every school has its own set of policies surrounding EA and RD, so it's crucial to research each institution's requirements and recommendations.
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