Early Action vs. Regular Decision: Which Is Better?

I'm torn between applying early action and regular decision. What are the main pros and cons of each, and how might they affect my chances? I'm also curious if different colleges favor one over the other.

There's no definitive answer to whether early action (EA) or regular decision (RD) is "better," as it's a highly individual decision based on your unique circumstances. However, I can certainly provide an overview of the pros and cons of each, as well as how they might affect your chances of admission.

Early Action Pros:

- Higher Chances of Admission: On average, for highly selective schools, applying EA can result in a 1.6x (or 60%) increase in your chances of admission.

- Early Decision: Applying EA allows you to receive an admission decision earlier than in RD, often by the end of December.

- No Obligation: Unlike Early Decision (which is binding), EA doesn’t require you to commit to a school if accepted.

Early Action Cons:

- Limited Application Time: EA deadlines are typically in November, so you'll need to have your application materials, including essays and recommendation letters, ready earlier.

- First Impression: Some students feel that their mid-year or end-of-year GPA gives them a better shot at admission, which they won't have if they're applying EA.

Regular Decision Pros:

- Extended Time: RD gives you more time to prepare your application, finish testing, improve your grades, or add more extracurricular activities.

- Better Knowledge of High School Performance: By applying RD, the colleges will be able to see your mid-year reports, which might strengthen your application.

Regular Decision Cons:

- Longer Wait Time: With RD, you have to wait longer to find out whether you were admitted, usually until late March or early April.

- Potentially Lower Acceptance Rates: RD rates are often lower than EA rates, though this can vary by the school.

As for whether colleges favor one over the other, keep in mind that admission is holistic, meaning a wide array of factors are taken into account. Applying EA could potentially demonstrate interest, which some colleges consider in their decision making. That being said, many colleges assure students that there's no advantage or disadvantage to applying EA over RD.

In determining whether to apply early action or regular decision, it really comes down to your individual circumstances and the specific policies of the colleges you're interested in. Be sure to research each college's EA and RD policies and consider how confident you feel about your application to make the best decision.