<p>What are pros and cons of early action/decision versus regular decision? I know college admissions officers say the chances during early and regular weigh out to be about the same, but any pros and cons at all that you may know of! Thanks!</p>
<p>This has been posted over and over and over again – so I would recommend you do a search on the topic and read the answers from various well-experienced posters. But in general, you ONLY want to apply ED to a school that is the #1 school that you want to go to without doubt, and that you financial can afford to go to (since applying ED means you can not “comparison shop” financial aid packages of other schools). </p>
<p>You have to review your colleges because applying ED to some schools can increase your odds slightly of getting in; in others, it doesn’t matter. Do know that you can’t always compare the straight ED/ RD numbers posted by the college because the ED numbers for most schools includes the recruited athletes that are asked to apply ED… so you have to estimate that number, remove them from the total and then relook at the comparison.</p>
<p>Early Decision: Only apply if it’s your number one school AND you are comfortable with whatever fin aid package you might get from it. As mentioned, many schools (but not all) give a boost to those applying early because it brings up yield and demonstrates applicant interest, but for some there’s really little benefit. You can find lists like below to compare the early admit rate with the regular admit rate (this one’s about three years old but you get the idea)
[Colleges</a> Where Applying Early Decision Helps - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/right-school/timeline/articles/2009/09/30/colleges-where-applying-early-decision-helps]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/right-school/timeline/articles/2009/09/30/colleges-where-applying-early-decision-helps)</p>
<p>Early Action: Unless it’s single-choice, early action usually doesn’t give a big benefit because it’s non-binding. It’s usually more for your own benefit if you go that route - you can get the personal satisfaction of knowing you get accepted somewhere before hand and it also can act as a safety school if you get accepted during the EA around. But it usually does not give a boost in the application process.</p>
<p>If you apply ED asking for financial aid, you’ll get an aid offer if you’re accepted. You’ll have a few weeks to decide to accept or decline the offer; you must take it or leave it.</p>
<p>The main ED pro for you is getting the process over early, and maybe increasing your chance of acceptance. Cons are no comparison with RD FA offers, and changing your mind about the school.</p>