Restrictive Early Action vs Regular Decision: How to Decide?

I'm contemplating whether to apply through restrictive early action or regular decision. What are the main differences in terms of commitment and chances of admission? How do I figure out which is the better option for me?

The difference between Restrictive Early Action (REA) and Regular Decision (RD) mainly lies in the timeline and obligation to commit to a school.

For REA, you generally need to submit your application by early November, with decisions typically communicated by mid-December. You can't apply to any other private colleges or universities under Early Action or Early Decision if you choose REA, but if you're accepted, you're not committed to attend and have till May 1st to make a decision.

Regular Decision, on the other hand, typically has a deadline in January, and you’ll hear back around March or April. This provides more time to improve your application but can also be more competitive as the majority of applicants apply RD.

Your application would likely be stronger with Regular Decision if you feel that the additional few months would significantly enhance your application - for instance, if you're expecting a major spike in your GPA or have a significant accomplishment on the horizon.

However, if your application is already strong and you consider the school as your top choice, you may consider applying REA as it might give you a slight edge. On average, applying early decision (close to REA but with an obligation to attend if accepted) can result in a roughly 60% increase in chances of acceptance at selective schools. This effect can vary from school to school, but there's usually some advantage to applying early. Similarly, while applying Early Action (EA) also boosts your chances, the effect is typically smaller since you're not obligated to attend.

Remember, applying REA also means that you can't apply to any other private colleges or universities under an Early Action or Early Decision agreement. So, if flexibility in your EA/ED options is important, RD might be a better fit.

Ultimately, the best decision will depend on your specific circumstance, your application readiness, and your college preferences.