Early Action Round 1 vs Round 2?

Hi! I've noticed that some schools have two rounds of early action (EA 1 and EA 2)... but what's the actual difference? Is one better than the other? I could use some advice.

Hi there! You're right—some schools have two rounds of early action (EA 1 and EA 2). Here's a brief overview of the key differences and some advice for deciding between the two:

1. Deadlines: The main difference between EA 1 and EA 2 is the application deadline. EA 1 deadlines typically fall around November 1st or 15th, while EA 2 deadlines may be in January. Each specific school will have its own set dates, so make sure to check their respective websites for the most accurate information.

2. Notification timeline: While EA 1 decisions are often released in December or January, EA 2 decisions usually come out in February or March. This timeline may be a influencing factor in deciding which round to apply, depending on your personal preferences and college planning timeline.

3. Acceptance rate difference: There may be some differences in acceptance rates between EA 1 and EA 2, but this varies by school. Some colleges may have higher acceptance rates for EA 1, because it shows a stronger interest in the school, while others may have similar acceptance rates between the two EA rounds. It's worth researching each school’s acceptance rates to get a better understanding of how it may impact your application.

4. Planning and application advantage: If you have your application materials ready and polished by the EA 1 deadline, it might be advantageous to apply earlier, as you'll receive your decision sooner and have more time to plan for various potential outcomes. On the other hand, if you need extra time to strengthen your application or gather supplemental materials (such as recommendation letters, test scores, etc.), applying during EA 2 might make more sense for you.