I’ve never seen this question asked here before. My oldest will be starting the application process this summer. He’s going to try to make his applications early. I know the essay prompts become available sometime in August. Is it August 1 or 30? Most of the schools on his list are non binding Early Action schools. Two are Early Decision schools. They are fine schools but not his first choices. Can he apply Regular Decision to them before November 1? I believe in some cases he would need to apply early to be considered for merit aid.
I believe you can submit the Common App early, but on the application the student indicates if he is applying Regular Decision. You should also look to the admissions websites of individual schools to read policies regarding nonbinding early action versus, for example, binding early decision.
Thanks. We finally found a sample Common App online and it does look like he could do that. His #2 school is Early Decision; #1 is Early Action. It would be nice if he can get all the applications in by November 1 and enjoy senior year.
Yes, you can submit anytime before the deadline…you state how you want the application to be processed (EA, ED, RD). And, yes, some schools require you turn it in early to be considered for merit – that you would check with each school’s website.
Yes you can do this. With my kid, she went to apply to Tufts in very early September and didn’t realize that it was ED until she had filled out the form. She switched it to RD…still turned it in by Sept 6 and was accepted RD in March of this year.
I thought nobody gets into Tufts! Congratulations.