I’m a junior and applying for colleges and hear all my friends talking about early decision and early action to schools and.I generally get what they mean, but I am not so sure about actual pros and cons about the whole processes. If anyone would just like to give be the pros and cons about the whole processes I would appreciate it. I mean, early action is getting the decision back sooner than normal right? I’d assume everyone would be doing that to know earlier? I have no clue, any knowledge is greatly appreciated. Both Early Decision and early action.
I know there are some other threads with more detail but here is a basic overview.
First, it depends on where you are applying because some schools offer ED, some offer EA, some offer both.
ED is binding so you need to be sure that is your first choice. You can only apply to one school ED.
EA is a great option when offered if you will have yest scores and feel like you application can be completed well before the deadline. I highly recommend EA if you can do it unless 1) your grades are on an upward trend and you need to show improvement, 2) you need more time with essay, 3) you are waiting for some major award/recognition that will help your application. If your schools have a lot of supplemental essays, you may not be able to do all of them EA.
Note: some schools have special restrictions and will not let you apply to other schools if you choose them EA or will not allow you to apply EA if you are ED elsewhere. You need to check each school’s info. Also, some are rumored to be harder to get into EA than RD - your GC will have some insight.
ED is binding unless the school’s financial aid offer is insufficient to support attendance. You can compare ED and EA FA offers if the timing is right. One strategy: If you apply and are accepted EA to your second choice school, you have only one more application to prepare.
The strategy and outlook is this.
You take a shot with ED with your dream school, somewhat reach. At the same time, apply EA to few slight reach school as fall back. Have a few schools as true safeties, schools you know will admit you 100% as RD.
Some schools admit a ton from ED, like Northwestern. Some admit a little from EA, like Michigan. So do your homework.
If you swing and miss on the early rounds, you will then compete with a ton of other kids who aimed for the sky and missed. RD is more unforgiving than you think. Be prepared.
This whole process is very cut throat and brutal. The key is to have a realistic view of your chances, and take no chance on your plan B.
Good luck.
Generally ED is binding while EA is not but this might not be true for all schools. I applied and was accepted ED to my first choice school so I can tell you that cons: less time to get your application together and improve it, so if you plan on applying ED, you should start early. Also, many ED contracts require that upon acceptance, you withdraw your applications to other schools. Not really a big deal, but there were a few schools in which I was curious to know if I was admitted but I guess I’ll never know. Do not break ED contract rules and do not apply to multiple schools ED, sometimes they share your name and it can send a bad message.
What does the applicant see that makes it seem so?