Early Action: Can it boost my admission chances?

Hey guys! I heard that applying Early Action to some colleges might increase my chances of getting admitted. Is this true? If I apply EA, what are the pros and cons? Are my chances of admission actually higher, or is it just a myth?

Yes, applying Early Action (EA) can boost your chances of admission, although the effect is generally smaller compared to Early Decision (ED). There are several pros and cons when it comes to applying EA:

Pros:

1. Higher acceptance rates: Many colleges have higher acceptance rates in the early round because there are fewer applicants, and they want to lock in a strong candidate pool. However, the boost in your chances may not be as significant, since EA is non-binding.

2. Early notification: You'll receive an admission decision faster, usually around mid-December, which can reduce anxiety and allow you to plan your applications for other schools more effectively.

3. Demonstrated interest: Applying EA can show the college that you're interested in attending, and some schools consider demonstrated interest in admissions decisions.

4. Flexibility: Unlike ED, EA is non-binding, meaning that even if you're admitted, you can choose whether to attend the school or not and have until May 1st to decide.

Cons:

1. Less time to prepare your application: The deadline for EA is typically in early November, which means you'll need to have your application materials like essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores ready sooner.

2. May not have the most updated grades: Your senior year fall semester grades may not be considered, depending on when your school reports them.

3. Higher applicant caliber: Students who apply Early Action are often well-prepared and competitive, so the applicant pool may be strong.

While applying EA can increase your chances of admission, it's important to remember that this varies by school and is influenced by factors like applicant pool strength and school-specific policies. Nonetheless, if you're prepared and have a strong application, applying EA can be an excellent strategy. Good luck!