<p>Hmm, just double-checked Harvard’s website and it appears that’s correct:</p>
<p>Early Action is a non-binding early program, meaning that if you are admitted you are not obligated to enroll. You have the flexibility and freedom to apply to other institutions during the regular decision round, and you have until May 1 to compare you admission and financial aid offers. We require that you apply only to Harvard College during the Early Action round. (See the frequently asked questions below for policy clarification.)</p>
<p>The clarification is that you can apply to public universities and colleges as well as international universities.</p>
<p>Personally, I think this is absurd and stupid and I wouldn’t do it just on principle. There is no advantage to the student to do this:</p>
<p>Harvard does not offer an advantage to students who apply early. Higher Early Action acceptance rates reflect the remarkable strength of Early Action pools. For any individual student, the final decision will be the same whether the student applies Early Action or Regular Decision.</p>
<p>It seems like the primary advantage is to Harvard, who gets to up their yield rates and plan earlier for their freshman class.</p>
<p>BUT bitterness aside, lol, the purpose of early decision is to apply early to your first choice college. If Harvard is your true first choice (based on personal factors and not prestige), then you should apply there.</p>