UMD Early Action: is it worth it?

Hey, I've been considering applying for Early Action at University of Maryland. What are the pros and cons of applying early? Is it worth giving it a shot or should I just stick to the regular decision timeline?

Applying Early Action (EA) has several advantages and some potential downsides. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide if applying EA to the University of Maryland (UMD) is a good choice for you:

Pros:

1. Early notification: Applying EA means you'll receive an admissions decision earlier - typically by January or February. This can alleviate stress and give you a clear path for the remainder of your senior year.

2. Increased chances: While it's difficult to quantify the exact benefit, applying Early Action might give you a slight edge in admissions. Colleges appreciate students who demonstrate interest, and applying early could signal UMD as your top choice even though EA doesn't have a binding agreement like Early Decision.

3. No commitment: Unlike Early Decision, EA is non-binding, so you're not obligated to attend if you're accepted. This allows you to compare financial aid packages and make an informed decision about where to attend.

Cons:

1. Time constraints: Preparing your application for the EA deadline means working on it earlier in your senior year. You may have less time to bolster your résumé, academics, or extracurricular activities.

2. Strained relationship with counselor and teachers: Requesting your school counselor and teachers to finish their recommendation letters well before the regular decision deadlines might strain your relationship with them as their time might be spread thin. However, maintaining clear communication and giving them plenty of notice can help mitigate this issue.

3. Limited time for essays: Applying EA means working on your essays and application materials in a compressed timeline compared to regular decision. Make sure you have enough time to refine and polish your essays before submitting.

In conclusion, if you feel confident about your current application and are ready to submit it by the EA deadline, it could be worth applying Early Action to UMD. Given the non-binding nature of EA, you retain the freedom to choose among your options once you have received all of your admission decisions. However, if you think you need more time to enhance your application or are concerned about time constraints, it might be better to focus on the regular decision timeline.