<p>If I don't apply early, would it significantly reduce my chances of getting a scholarship?</p>
<p>Usually, no. </p>
<p>Occasionally, yes. For example, at the University of Maryland College Park, you must apply by the priority deadline–which isn’t technically an early action deadline, but is Nov. 1–in order to be considered for merit aid. </p>
<p>Since you haven’t mentioned where you’re applying, it’s impossible to answer your question for sure. But the answer will surely be on the admissions Web site of any college or university you’re considering, so you should check there.</p>
<p>Some colleges have a priority application date for consideration of some of their scholarships. This varies by school so you need to check. </p>
<p>None of my kids’ colleges required an early ACTION application but a few required applications be submitted prior to December 1 for scholarship consideration.</p>
<p>Check your colleges.</p>
<p>It depends on the school.</p>
<p>Some schools say that some scholarships are awarded on a rolling or first-come-first-served basis, so early applicants are more likely to get them. This does not necessarily mean a formal early action application, though.</p>
<p>Some schools have early deadlines for separate scholarship apps, some have scholarships for which you do have to apply EA specifically. It depends upon the rules for the scholarship, and depends upon the school.</p>