DS24 has several colleges that he’s strongly interested in. Two of them offer early action and two offer early decision. Is he able to apply EA to the first two, ED to one of the favorites, and RD to the other? Or does he need to choose between one ED and the two EAs (applying ED to one and RD to the others)?
TIA
Unless any of the EA schools are restricted EA e.g. HYPS, he can apply ED plus EA
You will need to check…
He can only apply to one school ED. But he can apply to other EA, and RD schools as long as he understands that if accepted at the ED school, he will be required to withdraw all other acceptances and pending applications.
And re: EA…you need to check to make sure none of the EA schools are SCEA or REA which do have strict restrictions on applying to other colleges.
Also, don’t forget about ED2 - if ED doesn’t work out and the 2nd favorite offers ED2 that can be an option too.
This strategy 1 ED + EA(s) works if and only if your son will be fine being committed to the ED even if he gets into it and the EA(s). In other words, if the EA is higher on his list, even if he gets in EA he won’t be able to go if he also got into the ED. If the ED is the highest on the list, no problem.
The exception to this is that there are a handful of super selective schools that have either Single Choice Early Action (SCEA) or Restrictive Early Action (REA), where they won’t let you also apply to any other private school EA/ED when applying to them early. They will let you apply to other public schools at the same time.
It’s going to depend on the specific ED/REA/SCEA language. It is far more likely that the agreement will allow you to apply EA to a state school than to a private one.
If the schools are public, you can apply to EA without restriction as they don’t interfere with EA or ED of any private schools.
You need to see what each college allows. Do the research for the college being considered.
You most likely can - but make sure you have a clear favorite if you ED and that you are willing to pay whatever the cost.
There are a few schools that restrict EA at public schools, etc.
Good luck
If you list the schools, the collective knowledge of this site will be able to answer your question more directly.
I checked the websites and none of them are restricted EA. They are either just EA or ED. Thank you, everyone who responded.
from your other post it sounds like your son is trying to apply as a recruited athlete? if that is the case his coach and the admissions office will provide guidance on how he should apply. The vast majority of athletes I know first verballed to a school and then applied either ED or EA and only applied to one school. some going the highly selective route had likely letters or positive pre reads prior to applying and some applied RD to a safety school without making a verbal commitment in addition to the school they committed to just in case
Thanks for the details. It is very helpful.