<p>would some one be so kind as to explain the difference between early action and early decision?</p>
<p>Early Action is an option that will allow you to recieve an acceptance/rejection/defferal earlier than regular decision. Decisions typical come around mid December</p>
<p>Early Decision is the same thing, except if you are accepted, you must attend. (Excluding severe cases where you are unable to afford it. Having to pay full tuition does not always mean you cannot afford it, it is very tough to prove otherwise, unless your family is significantly poor.)</p>
<p>Schools under EA allow you to apply to as many EA schools as you want. Some are SCEA (like Stanford) which means single choice early action -- meaning you can't do that.</p>
<p>If you apply ED to a college, you cannot apply early anywhere else.</p>
<p>Some colleges have EDII options, like Tufts. (Deadline 1/1, decision mid februrary. Also binding.)</p>