Early Action Admission Plan

Hello! I'm a junior considering my options for college applications, and I've heard about early action plans. Can somebody please explain how the early action admission plan works? Thank you!

Hello! Early Action (EA) is an admission plan that allows you to apply to a college ahead of the regular decision deadline, typically in the fall of your senior year, with notification of the admission decision usually arriving in December or January. The main benefits of applying through EA are that you'll receive an admissions decision earlier and it can demonstrate your strong interest in the school. Unlike Early Decision (ED), which is binding, EA is non-binding, meaning that if you're admitted, you're not obligated to attend, and you'll still have until May 1st to decide.

Many colleges offer EA plans, but it's important to know that some schools have restrictions. Restricted Early Action (REA) or Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) plans limit the number of schools you can apply to early. This means that, while you're still not obligated to attend the college if admitted, you can't apply to other private colleges under REA/SCEA plans. Public universities and colleges, however, remain unrestricted.

Applying EA can potentially boost your chances of admission, although the effect is generally smaller compared to ED. It shows the institution that you're genuinely interested in attending, which can be a factor in their decision. Keep in mind that, because the deadline is earlier, you'll need to make sure that your application materials, like essays, recommendation letters, and test scores (if required), are prepared in advance.

If you're interested in applying EA, research the colleges on your list to see if they offer this option and take note of their deadlines and requirements. Make sure you can complete your application in a timely manner while maintaining the quality of your materials. Good luck!