Hi all! I’m a junior and I've been researching the different college application options. Can I apply to one college through Early Decision and another through Restrictive Early Action? Are there any specific rules about this situation? I’d love to hear your experiences or any guidance you can provide - thanks in advance!
Hello there! Great question, and kudos for planning ahead. The rules regarding Early Decision (ED) and Restrictive Early Action (REA) can indeed be a bit tricky. If you apply to a college through Early Decision, you're making a binding commitment that you'll attend if accepted, provided that the financial aid offer is sufficient. You can only apply to one college ED, and if admitted, you must withdraw applications to other schools.
As for Restrictive Early Action, it's a non-binding option, but it typically restricts you from applying to other schools' early programs, be it Early Decision or Early Action, with some exceptions usually for public universities or international institutions. The key is to read the policies of the specific REA school you're interested in, as they can vary. In general, though, you cannot apply to one college ED and another REA. Also be sure to check out CollegeVine's article on this very topic: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-is-restrictive-early-action-when-applying-to-college/
Applying ED or REA is all about committing to the ethos of the specific early application plan you choose. It's essential to carefully consider your top choice and understand the commitment you're making with ED. Good luck, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
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