<p>i searched for this and there are a lot of threads about it but im still confused because there are a lot of different answers.. so i know that early action is non-binding and you can apply to as many schools as you want early action, but your only allowed to apply REA to 1 school right? </p>
<p>if i applied ED to one school, REA to another, and EA to others that would work out right? because i read something about how if you do ED you cant do REA or vice versa, i dont know if thats true or not</p>
<p>ED - early decision (binding)
EA - early action (non-binding)
SCEA - single choice early action (non-binding)
REA - restricted early action</p>
<p>ED means that if you are accepted you have to go and you must withdraw all other applications. You can normally apply to EA schools with ED however some schools such as Boston College (which has EA) restrict you from applying EA if you are applying elsewhere ED. It depends on the school and you have to check the school's websites. SCEA such as Yale or Stanford means you can only apply to either one of those, no other EA, no other ED.</p>
<p>
[quote]
if i applied ED to one school, REA to another, and EA to others that would work out right?
[/quote]
No, it wouldn't. Applying REA lets you have one and only one Early application. No other EA, no ED. You may be able to apply ED and EA, depending on restrictions of the specific school. For example, Brown does not allow you to apply EA anywhere if you apply ED there. And as noted, Boston College (and Georgetown) do not allow you to apply EA to them if you apply ED anywhere.</p>
<p>Read the college websites carefully for their own restrictions and follow them.</p>
<p>It is very confusing. REA means there are restrictions to where you else you can apply if you apply to the school with REA. The restrictions depend on the school's rules. For some SCEA schools, you cannot apply EA elsewhere, nor can you apply ED anywhere. You can however apply rolling admissions anywhere with ED and REA. Strangely enough, some schools like Yale have very specific rules on what else you can apply to on an EA basis. I saw a post saying that Yale does permit other EA apps to schools that require EA for certain scholarships and if the notification is after 1/1. In my opinions, these rules are getting out of hand, as you have to read not only the instructions, but often research them to understand what the heck the story is as schools come up with caveats and interesting programs. Rice does not call its early programs EA or ED but has some other label. Yet it falls into early categories. It gets quite hairy and the fact that these are moving targets each year makes it more difficult to give advice. You need to read the instructions very carefully when you apply to these programs and understand the restriction thoroughly. Do not take anyone else's words or experience as a substitute. Call admissions for any questions, and get the name of the counselor there who answers your questions, and document it. It has come to this, in my opinion. Ridiculous.</p>