Just a few quick questions regarding applying early. Sorry if this has been asked before or is in the wrong place!
*Is there a greater chance of being accepted when applying early? (I know more people are accepted then but could this just be because they are better qualified since they were already done with their application before everyone else – this could be an indication that they are just better and more prepared students?)
*Are your chances greater if you apply Early Decision as opposed to Early Action? Or is there no difference at all apart from the commitment?
*Are the deadlines for both the same?
Can you apply to other non-private colleges if you apply Early Decision? Does it just depend on the college?
*Do you get a response earlier if you apply Early Decision?
Many many thanks to anyone who answers these! I know there’s information on the internet but different sites say different things so I was a little confused. It would be immensely helpful!
ED and EA do get response earlier, but it can be accepted, rejected, or deferred. ED is binding and the admission rate is usually higher. But part of the reason is due to legacy and highly qualified candidates in addition to the commitment of student. EA is not binding and the admission chance for average applicant would not be enhanced but qualified students will get acceptance earlier. Schools usually offer only one kind of the early application. Deadlines varies from school to school.
Generally applying ED gives you a little boost…in other words, the SATs/GPA of those applying ED and who are accepted can be a few points lower than RD. The college trades the guarantee of you attending with a few SAT points. I am not sure if there is a difference between EA and ED in acceptance…probably there is.
Deadlines vary per college but both are earlier than RD.
Most EDs don’t allow you to apply to other schools. Look at the college’s rules.
Yes, you get a response earlier. Look at any college you are interested in and they will have well laid out timeframe.
One caveat: if your grades aren’t quite where you want them to be, you may NOT want to go EA. Use that first marking period of Senior year to give them a small boost.