<p>I was just reading about early acceptance opportunities and I was wondering when the soonest I could apply for this would be. Many sites have said that this is a great way to let universities know that you are serious about going to that particular institution. Also, how many universities can I apply for this at? There are two universities in particular that I'd like to apply to early but I don't know how restricted this option is. I do know though that if you're accepted early, you almost definitely will be going to that school. </p>
<p>Early decision or ED-only one school.
Early actions or EA-as many as you want, to my knowledge, and it’s not a binding contract. </p>
<p>Have you looked at the websites of the two schools that you’re interested in? There should be full explanations there of your application options.</p>
<p>You have to visit the admissions websites of each college to see what options they have for EA and ED. A couple of top schools have some variation on EA with some restrictions on other early applications, but mostly you can put in as many EA applications as you want to. For an EA application, you are not bound at all to attend if you are admitted. You can still apply other places, then make up your mind by May 1. However, ED is binding – you agree that if accepted, you will withdraw all other applications and attend. The only way out pretty much is if the need-based financial aid offer will not work for your family.</p>
<p>Another option is rolling admissions schools. A lot of public universities admit in waves over the period when they accept applications. It seems like at most rolling admission schools it is a bit easier to get in if you apply early in the admission period, and you also hear back sooner. It is a big relief to get an acceptance early in the admissions cycle, takes some pressure off.</p>
<p>The Common Application, which many colleges accept, is not available until August. And some colleges take longer than that to put out their supplemental portion of the Common App, so you have to wait to apply until that is available for that college. Applying in October or November is plenty early enough to start getting applications submitted. </p>
<p>Schools with SCEA/REA may also block you from applying ED.</p>
<p>Yes, but that is only a very small number of top schools. </p>
<p>There are 4 types of “early applications”
EA - Early Action: You can apply to as many schools as you want under this policy. Submit your application around Nov 1 and receive a decision around Dec 15. You must make a decision by May 1. Most commonly seen in less selective private schools and public schools.
REA/SCEA - Restricted/Single Choice Early Action - Similar to EA, but with some restrictions depending on the school. Typically a REA school will only allow you to apply to them early -or will allow you to apply to schools early only if they aren’t private schools. Submit your application around Nov 1 and receive a decision around Dec 15. You must make a decision by May 1. Most commonly seen in more selective private schools.
ED - Early Decision - You can only apply to one school ED with the agreement that you have committed to that school should you be accepted. The only way you can get out of an ED commitment is if you can’t afford the tuition. Submit your application around Nov 1 and receive a decision around Dec 15. More commonly seen in more selective private schools.
Rolling - No different from a regular application. Applicants apply to schools in waves, allowing admissions officers more time to look at each application. You can apply as early as September -for some schools- and as late as April or May. You’re guaranteed to receive a decision soon after you submit your application -typically a month after. More commonly seen in public schools. </p>
<p>I have no idea which schools your applying to so idk which type(s) they are, but I recommend applying early if you can. Getting acceptances in December takes a lot of the stress off of you come march when RD decisions come out. </p>
<p>And keep in mind that if you need to compare financial aid packages, you won’t be able to. Only apply to a binding ED school if you are sure your family can afford it and sure you want to attend.</p>