<p>People on this thread are using EA (early action) to mean the same thing as ED (early decision.) The only similarity is that you apply early. For EA there's no binding committment and you are free to apply to any all all schools, and wait for financial aid information before you make your decision. There is no obligation to go to the EA school if accepted. This is the policy in place at Carolina. With ED you apply early; hear early; and if accepted you are expected to go there. </p>
<p>From the UNC link cited above: </p>
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Carolina's early decision plan -- one of three admissions deadlines open to freshman applicants -- allowed students to apply by Oct. 15 and be notified about their status by Dec. 3. Under the program, students applying early were required to enroll at Carolina if they were offered admission.</p>
<p>The University will keep its early-action program, under which students apply by Nov. 15 and are notified in late January, and its regular schedule, with applications due by Jan. 15 and notifications in late March. Neither program requires that admitted students enroll at Carolina, and both allow applications to other schools.
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