I recently visited Carleton College and loved it so much that I want to apply ED 1. But, I also have other colleges on my list and want to keep my options open if I’m not accepted. Can I apply to Carleton ED and other colleges EA? I’ve checked the other colleges and their EA isn’t restrictive so I can apply to Carleton ED but I haven’t found a definite answer on if Carleton allows this.
Typically you can apply EA to publics. The Carleton website should address this, but a quick glance shows that it does not appear to address it.
Here is the NACAC Statement of Principles and Good Practices:
“Early Decision (ED) is the application process in which students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they
definitely will enroll. While pursuing admission under an Early Decision plan, students may apply to other institutions, but may have only one
Early Decision application pending at any time. Should a student who applies for financial aid not be offered an award that makes attendance
possible, the student may decline the offer of admission and be released from the Early Decision commitment. The institution must notify the
applicant of the decision within a reasonable and clearly stated period of time after the Early Decision deadline. Usually, a nonrefundable deposit
must be made well in advance of May 1. The institution will respond to an application for financial aid at or near the time of an offer of admission.
Institutions with Early Decision plans may restrict students from applying to other early plans. Institutions will clearly articulate their specific policies
in their Early Decision agreement.”
Respectfully disagree with the above. Often REA schools only allow simultaneous applications to public schools but that is not true for many ED schools. My D applied to one private college ED and to two other private schools EA and we absolutely did not violate the terms any of the schools set forth.
My guess (but I’m not sure) is Carelton won’t care since you are bound to attend their school if accepted ED and it is affordable. However, if you have any doubts about the school’s policy contact Carelton’s admission office directly – that way you will have the correct answer with 100% certainty.
As long as none of them are binding nor ones that require you not apply to others (SCEA), it’s fine. If you get into your ED school, you will have to pull those applications (or turn them down if they responded positively first).
Personally, I think it’s a great idea to have a couple of EA schools in the mix. If you are deferred or rejected from your ED school, it can fuel fears about what to expect in March. If you get an EA acceptance, especially from a school you like, it can relieve some stress. And occasionally, those schools will have earlier revisit days which can help with the crazy logistics of revisiting in April.