Should I choose regular decision or early action?

Junior here! I'm conflicted about whether to apply regular decision or early action to my top-choice schools. How do the outcomes usually differ, and are there benefits to choosing one over the other, especially for colleges with non-binding options?

Understanding the difference between regular decision and early action is crucial to determine which one will best serve your goals.

With regular decision, your applications are typically due between January 1st and February 1st, and you will get a response by April 1. This method allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once, and, once you receive your acceptances, you have until May 1st to review your options and make a choice.

On the other hand, early action is non-binding and allows you to apply early (typically by November 1st or 15th), in return for an earlier response (usually by mid-December). If accepted, you're not obligated to enroll and still have until May 1st to make a decision. This can be beneficial as it gives you more time to plan, especially for financial aid reasons.

One significant advantage of applying EA is that it can sometimes increase your chances of admission. On average, applying ED (early decision, which unlike EA, is binding) can result in a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools, and while the effect is smaller for EA, it can still be beneficial.

However, there are some things to consider. If you apply early, you need to have your application materials, including your essays, test scores (if the school is not test blind), and recommendation letters, done earlier. Not every student has their strongest application ready by early November. Also, if your senior year grades are critical to proving your academic ability, not all of these grades will be available to schools at the time when most EA deadlines occur.

Remember, every student's situation is unique, so what works for others might not be the best for you. Consider your readiness, the competitiveness of your application, and your level of interest in the school when making your decision.