Early Decision vs. Early Action admissions

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Early Decision vs. Early Action admissions

Posted on October 13th, 2008 by NBS

Early Decision vs. Early Action

You should be aware of the differences between early decision and early action before sending your applications. The exact rules may vary somewhat by college.

Early decision plans are binding. You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges through the regular admissions process. If you are accepted by your first-choice college early, you must withdraw all other applications. Usually, colleges insist on a non refundable deposit well before May 1.

Early action plans are similar but are not binding, unlike early decision. If you have been accepted, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the spring. Under these plans, you may also apply early action to other colleges. Usually, you have until the late spring to let the college know your decision.

Single-choice early action is a new option offered by a few colleges. This plan works the same way as other early action plans, but candidates may not apply early (either early action or early decision) to any other school. Your child can still apply to other schools and is not required to give a final answer of acceptance until the regular decision deadline.

Application Type	Binding	Can Apply Early to other Colleges	Can Apply to other Colleges under Regular Admissions
Early Decision	Yes	No	Yes
Early Action	No	Yes	Yes
Single Choice Early Action	No	No	Yes

Should You Apply Under One of These Plans?

You should apply under an early decision or early action plan only if you are very sure of the college you want to attend. You should not apply under an early decision or early action plan if you plan to weigh offers and financial aid packages from several colleges later in the spring. Also, you shouldn’t apply early if it is advantageous to have more senior year work to show a college.