I really like Villanova, and I saw that they offer both Early Action and Early Decision. I understand that ED is binding and EA is not, but are there other differences? Am I more likely to get in with one or the other or going to get more merit scholarships or financial aid for one or the other?
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I’m using Villanova as a specific example, but I’m curious for ED vs EA in general in case other schools on my list have similar admissions
If you do not need financial aid, generally, colleges are eager to accept qualified students in ED.
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ED probably improves chances of admission, particularly if level of interest is considered.
However, ED probably reduces the chance or likely size of a merit scholarship, since the college knows that it need not add that extra enticement for your to attend.
Unless you have a hook, your chances for EA at Villanova are going to be substantially less than for ED. That’s because Villanova is one of a few schools that offers ED, EA, and ED2.
Most selective schools these days are looking to protect their yield - so if they give you a choice of both ED and EA and you select the latter they know you’re not as committed. Then, if you’re a qualified applicant that they would admit they’ll likely defer you and offer you a chance to switch to ED2. If you don’t take that and select RD instead, now you’ve shown them a 2nd time that you’re not committed.