Comparing early action and regular decision application numbers

Do more students typically apply early action or regular decision? I'm trying to gauge which application period is more popular and why students might choose one over the other. Looking for insights into any trends or stats here.

Typically, more students apply during the regular decision timeframe than early action. This is because some students need the extra time to prepare their applications, improve their grades, or retake standardized tests (where these are still required). Nevertheless, many students opt to apply early because they have a clear first-choice school and want to demonstrate their interest, plus receive a decision sooner.

Speaking of trends, there's a consistent one showing that application numbers for both the early action and regular decision rounds have been rising over recent years, especially for more selective universities. This could be attributed to factors such as the adoption of the Common Application and Coalition Application, which make it easier for students to apply to multiple schools.

Early action applications often have an edge, as pools are generally smaller and since the colleges also want to lock in a certain percentage of their incoming class. Applicants might also experience a bump in acceptance rates in early round admissions, like a 60% increase in chances of admissions at top schools when applying early decision. It's important to note that this boost tends to be more pronounced at very selective colleges and it can vary.

However, one should not apply early just for the potentially higher acceptance rates—it’s essential to feel ready with your application, and committed to attending if it’s an Early Decision program. Regular decision, on the other hand, still offers a chance at all available spots and students benefit from having more time to make a thoughtful application, showcasing their best possible profile.

In other words, it's a balancing act and a strategic decision on the part of the student. It ultimately depends on the academic and personal readiness of the individual and their clarity about their college choices.