Early Application Deadlines?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior working on my college applications. I'm aiming to apply early to some schools, but I don't know the deadlines for those early applications. Can anyone help me out with this? Thanks!

Hey there! Early application deadlines can vary by college, but generally, these fall into two categories: Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA).

For Early Decision (which is a binding agreement), deadlines are typically around November 1st or November 15th. Some colleges offer two ED rounds, with ED II deadlines around January 1st or January 15th. Keep in mind that if you're accepted, you're obligated to attend that school and withdraw applications from other colleges.

Early Action (non-binding) deadlines also generally fall on November 1st or November 15th. There's another type of EA called Restrictive Early Action (REA) or Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA), which means you can't apply to other private colleges early. The deadlines for these are typically the same as regular EA, but you'll need to check each school's specific policy.

It's essential to double-check the deadlines on each college's website, as they may differ slightly. Furthermore, some colleges may have priority deadlines for scholarships, honors programs, or specific majors, so make sure to research those as well.

By applying early, you may benefit from higher acceptance rates and an earlier notification of admission, usually around mid-December. However, you should only apply early if you're prepared and have a strong application since the deadline is significantly earlier than Regular Decision. Best of luck with your college applications!