What does early application mean in college admissions?

Hi all! I've been hearing a lot about early applications in the context of college admissions. What exactly does this mean and how does it differ from regular decision? Are there any advantages to applying early? Thanks!

Hello! You're in the right place to clear up your confusion. Early application in college admissions generally refers to two types of application approaches: Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). These are distinct from Regular Decision (RD), which is the standard application timeline. So here's a breakdown of the differences:

1. Early Decision (ED): This is a binding agreement between you and the college. If you choose to apply ED and get accepted, you're committing to attend that college, and you must withdraw all other applications. The application deadlines for ED are typically in November, and decisions are usually released in December. Keep in mind that ED should only be chosen if you're completely certain that the college in question is your top choice.

2. Early Action (EA): This is a non-binding application option that allows you to apply early (usually in November) and receive decisions earlier than RD applicants (typically in December or January). The advantage here is that you have more time to consider your college options, and you're not obligated to attend the college if accepted.

Applying early has advantages, especially for highly competitive schools. On average, applying ED results in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission. Keep in mind, this varies by school and is just the data on average. EA also provides a boost in your chances, though it's smaller, as you're not obligated to attend if you're accepted.

There may also be some disadvantages to applying early. For instance, if your application isn't as strong as it could be due to factors like ongoing extracurricular involvement or recent grade improvement, you might benefit from waiting until the RD deadline to apply. Additionally, financial aid can be more uncertain when applying ED, so be sure to thoroughly research the school’s financial aid policies and use their net price calculator to estimate your expected financial aid package.

To sum it up, early applications (both ED and EA) allows you to apply and receive decisions from colleges earlier than through the regular decision process. It can increase your chances of acceptance, particularly when applying ED, but you should seriously consider the pros and cons before committing to any early application option.