Should I apply regular decision or early?

I'm a junior trying to figure out the best strategy for my college applications. What are the pros and cons of regular decision compared to early action? I want to make the most informed decision possible!

The decision to apply either Regular Decision (RD) or Early Action (EA) will depend largely on your specific circumstances, readiness, and preferences. However, let's examine the pros and cons of each strategy to help you decide.

Early Action:

Pros:

1. Early Notification: By applying to EA, you’ll receive decisions earlier (typically in December or January), eliminating the lengthy waiting period that RD applicants go through.

2. Potentially Better Odds: On average, applying EA can lead to a modest increase in chances at selective colleges. This might be because these applicants tend to be more competitive or because colleges like to secure strong applicants early on in the process.

Cons:

1. Earlier Deadlines: EA applications often need to be completed by November, which can be a stressful crunch period if you have not started early enough.

2. Early Readiness: Since you have less time to prepare, your essays, extracurriculars, and other application components must be nearly ready by the start of your senior year, including having your best possible standardized test scores.

Regular Decision:

Pros:

1. More Time: The later deadline (generally in January) allows you more time to improve your grades, and test scores, and strengthen your application overall.

2. Flexibility: You are by no means restricted to one school and aren't obligated to attend if accepted. This can leave room to compare financial aid packages.

Cons:

1. Later Notification: Decision notifications typically come out in March or April. Waiting can be stressful.

2. Competitive Pool: Most students apply during the RD round, which can make the pool more competitive.

Again, both options do not necessarily guarantee admission and should be chosen based on what suits you best. If you are very passionate about a particular school and feel ready to apply early, EA might be the way to go. However, if you need some extra time to strengthen your application, or are considering multiple colleges, RD might be a better fit.