Early Action or Regular?

Applying to College Early Decision / Early Action
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Hey there! I posted something a question similar a little while ago but I wanted to update some things.

I’m applying to 21 schools, some ivies, some other reach schools. (It’s a balanced list, don’t worry :))

I’m first-gen and trying to figure if I should apply early action or regular decision to schools? Below are my questions and general information.

I’ve heard that if you apply EA, you get more aid. Is this true?

My apprehension to applying EA is my freshman year grades and the subsequent reflection on my transcript. I got 2 C+s and a B.

Since freshman year, my extracurriculars have been outstanding. I have a strong test score, have had 4.0 for the last 2 years.

I’ve already taken 8 APs and have passed all of them (only one 3 on CALC AB)

This year, I’m taking a very difficult schedule - 6 APs this year and I’m going to get all A’s. This will massively improve my class rank and maybe look better because this year it’s completely in person.

My central question is if it would be better to wait until my GPA (u/w 3.89) and class rank (12%) are stronger? Does the answer to this question change based off if the school is a target, safety, or reach like the Ivies?

I don’t know if this is relevant, but I think I’m going to apply ED to Columbia.

Thanks so much

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One contradiction in your post:

If you are concerned about your family being able to afford the cost, you should not apply ED anywhere. You lose out on the ability to compare financial aid offers.

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Early Action is a must- it’s not binding. At most schools that offer it, this is where the spots are filled. If they want to know more about you, they’ll ask for your Fall grades.

Early Decision is a personal choice and make sure you can afford it.

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btw - you are worried about your freshman grades? Waiting won’t matter - they’ll be seen whenver.

Typically, the earlier deadline you meet, the better. In fact, at UMD, as an example, the acceptance rate for RD is like 3%. For U of SC, after the deadline, it’s space avail, etc.

A school like Miami will either accept, defer, or deny, etc.

Get it in and over - that’s your best bet. Doesn’t mean you’ll get accepted - but it is your best odds.

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