<p>Bogged down with a plethora of school work, and extracurricular activities I think that applying Early decision to one of my top schools may prove impossible or disastrous. I am under the notion, that even if my teachers were to write recommendations rapidly, I would be rushed to complete supplements and other forms in order to apply early. At first, I was not too concerned. Yet, as time passes I am increasingly becoming agitated at the fact that I wasn't ready to apply. If someone could give me a good explanation about the advantages and disadvantages of applying early action/decision, that would make me feel a whole lot better. Also, does applying early really affect admission chances (heavily, that is)? (On a side note: what is Early decision II? I presume it is the same as applying regularly, but you simply note a preference for school, and must go if accepted).</p>
<p>There is conflicting information out there regarding whether Early Action increases your chances of getting in or not. Most schools have deadlines in the next few weeks, and I think that the majority of people on this board would say that if you haven’t asked for recommendations yet, and haven’t been massaging your essay, it would be a mistake to rush now. Shoulda woulda coulda - chalk it up, relax, and move on. Start looking at your deadlines now though - our daughter was told the minimum for teachers/counselors was 4 to 6 weeks ahead, and was somewhat shocked at the size of the form that was requested that she provide to the recommenders. It was 8 pages of good information, much of which could be applied to the applications, but she had no idea that she would be providing so much information BEFORE she requested the recommendation. So check the dates, check the requirements for your school, and somehow sandwich it in soon. Best of luck!!!</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. What you speak of sounds like exactly what I need to do - suck it up, move on, and focus on the regular decision deadlines. I plan on asking for recommendations on Friday, from two teachers. Also, am I correct in assuming that I do not need to give the instructor writing the recommendation a list of the colleges I am applying to? I am still undecided on a few, although I have a good idea of where I want to apply. I am using the common application, and I believed that the application allowed individual colleges to request the recommendation from teachers as I apply.</p>
<p>I would check the threads on asking for recommendations - there are great suggestions. At our school, you ask politely and then provide the eight page form discussed above. It lists all kinds of things that are helpful to recommenders - a pain, but I think probably very effective. And yes, she indicated what schools she was interested in and when their deadlines are - it is important because the teacher must write the recommendation before the first school’s deadline. It is my understanding that if you add/subtract schools, the same recommendation is sent on your online request, so changes are no problem to your teachers. At least for Common App schools - all my DD’s are common app except one.l</p>