<p>I am aware that Early Decision is binding, but other than that is there any difference between the two. Is there any advantages and disadvantages between applying Early Action and Regular Decisions besides just knowing your options earlier? I appreciate any and all answers!</p>
<p>Early Action has no disadvantages as far as I know unless its Restrictive Early Action. If its Restrictive Early Action, you can apply EA/ED to that school only. Early Decision is binding but lets you apply EA to other schools, you just have to withdraw all your apps if you get in though. EA/ED generally has better chance of admission than RD.</p>
<p>Early action is usually encouraged only if you have really good stats and would get into the school during regular anyways.</p>
<p>So for reach schools it isn’t a good idea?</p>
<p>It’s neither good nor bad as it neither provides a disadvantage nor an advantage. The only thing that comes of applying SCEA/REA/EA to a reach school is that you find out your decision earlier.</p>
<p>Thank you very much!</p>
<p>REA/EA provides an advantage, there have been numerous statistical studies done showing this. Anyway, most very selective schools defer the majority of their applicants so it can’t really hurt you.</p>
<p>“Early Decision is binding but lets you apply EA to other schools, you just have to withdraw all your apps if you get in though.”</p>
<p>There’s an exception if you apply ED asking for financial aid. In that case you must withdraw your other apps if you accept the FA offered by the ED school. If they don’t offer enough to support attendance, you decline the offer and apply RD elsewhere.</p>