Early application deadlines, how do they work?

Hey guys, feeling kinda overwhelmed by all these different deadlines each college has. Can someone break down what an early application deadline means and what the benefits or downsides might be to applying early?

Sure thing. I can absolutely breakdown the early application deadlines for you.

First, let's talk about the different types of early applications, which are Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED).

1. Early Action (EA): Here, you submit your application earlier than the usual deadline, often in November. If you apply EA, you usually receive an admission decision in mid-December. The main benefit is that you find out if you got in sooner. An EA application is not binding, meaning if you are admitted, you're not required to enroll and can still apply elsewhere during the regular decision cycle. You can compare financial aid packages and decide later.

2. Early Decision (ED): This is more serious than EA. In ED, you commit to attending the college if you're accepted, also usually with a deadline in November. Just like EA, you would hear back in mid-December, but if you're accepted and the school meets your financial needs, you must withdraw all other applications.

There are clear benefits to applying early. The most significant is that acceptance rates during the early application cycle tend to be higher than during the regular decision cycle. For instance, applying ED can increase your chances of admission, with an average boost of about 60%.

However, there are also some downsides. ED applicants should be very sure it's their top choice, as committing early can mean missing out on exploring other options. You'll also have less time to polish your application and your senior fall grades won't be considered in your application.

For financial considerations, you can back out of an ED agreement if the college doesn't meet your financial need, but you should run a net price calculator before applying to ensure the college will be affordable.

In essence, applying early can be a strategic move if you're ready and have a clear top-choice, but be careful with the binding nature of ED applications. Hope this helps!