<p>Alright. So I know what the difference between early action and early decision is, but I'm still a bit confused.</p>
<p>Say I'm applying to Rice early decision. Will I be able to apply to another school early ACTION? Technically, they aren't the same decision plans. Does the binding early decision mean that I can't apply to another school early decision, or early decision AND early action?</p>
<p>I hope somebody can clear this up. Thanks :)</p>
<p>it's a goodd question, therisenlilith
to my understanding, you can apply early action elsewhere. You just can't apply early decision to two different schools, because you would be in trouble if both accepted you.</p>
<p>I was wondering the same thing...I was wondering something else too (sorry to steal your thread :P). What would happen if, for some reason, you were accepted ED but then decided you wanted to go somewhere else?</p>
<p>In answer to the original question (which is very good, actually), I believe you may do so if you apply early decision to Rice (not 100% certain, but I think this is the case). HOWEVER, that is not necessarily true of all schools (I think Brown U doesn't like it, for one; Princeton didn't when they had early decision).</p>
<p>To the second question, early decision is supposed to be binding, meaning that you are promising enrollment if you are accepted. If you're not sure, apply regular decision. It is actually possible to weasel your way out of an early decision agreement (usually involves making a plea about financial aid), but it is extremely disgraceful and in many cases (I think) other schools can be notified of your action and will withdraw you acceptance. In other words, only apply early if you are SURE you want to come to Rice.</p>
<p>Weaseling your way out of an early decision agreement isn't that difficult from a LEGAL standpoint, since you're a minor (not allowed to sign legal contracts) signing a legal contract, but all of these schools talk to each other, and pulling out of ED would probably have repercussions at another school.</p>