<p>Hello, I'm a worried Junior about Colleges and whatnot...
I'm not really sure what the difference is besides being earlier.... I've noticed that a higher percentage of early apps are accepted more frequently, but do they still look at the same thing as the regular deadline?
Is there an advantage? My school is on the Quarter system, so I might be able to raise my GPA before I would send my transcript... Also, can you do an early decision, and then if rejected, the regular one? Which is better for me? Thank you</p>
<p>Best is for you look at a few colleges and read what they have to say about their early decision/early action programs. In practice these programs vary from college to college:</p>
<p>I’ve provides a few examples for you (Georgetown early action, UPenn early decision, NYU early decision 1 and early decision 2)</p>
<p>[Georgetown</a> University- Office of Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/applying_firstyear_earlyaction.cfm]Georgetown”>http://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/applying_firstyear_earlyaction.cfm)
[Penn</a> Admissions: Applying Early Decision](<a href=“http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/early.php]Penn”>http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/early.php)
[Early</a> Decision](<a href=“How to Apply”>How to Apply)</p>
<p>Pick examples of colleges that interest you and look at their admissions web sites to see their programs and “rules”.</p>
<p>If you apply early decision/early action colleges may accept you, reject you or defer you to the regular application pool. In the latter case, you’ll be considered with other applicants who applies regular decision.</p>
<p>The short answer to your question regarding the advantages of these programs is that “there is no short answer”. There are many variables, including deciding too early, financial aid, etc. In my opinion, if you’re very sure about one particular school, then applying early action/early decision gives you a slight advantage over those who apply only regular decision. I’m sure others will have different opinions. Talk to you GC.</p>
<p>OP, before even thinking about Early Decision, ask your family how much they are prepared to pay for your college education. If they don’t have a specific amount in mind or budgeted, then you’ll need to work through your budget with your family before thinking about ED. If they tell you that they’ll make the finances work no matter what, don’t believe them! 
Post on the Financial Aid forum, and posters will take you in hand and guide you through what you’ll need to know about paying for college. </p>
<p>Some schools have a program called Early Action, which is non binding. You can apply EA, be accepted, and then apply to more schools during the regular decision period. The budget concerns don’t apply for EA, since you are keeping your options open. Some schools allow you to apply to multiple schools EA. Others allow you to apply to only one school EA. </p>
<p>You can also boost your admissions odds by applying as early as possible to rolling admissions schools. These are schools which make admissions decisions on a rolling basis as applications come in, rather than waiting until a set date. You can apply to a rolling admissions school, and then to EA schools (or ED, if you’ve done all of your homework and are convinced it is the right step).</p>
<p>Alrighty, thank you very much for the input much appreciated</p>