Since early action is non binding and statistics show that early action acceptance are generally higher, why shouldn’t I apply early action if I can finish my essays by then? As far as I’ve researched, early action deadlines are only for essays while all other application materials are due on a later date, so no extra pressure on teachers writing letters or taking tests earlier.
Mostly just the possibility that your credentials could get better in between the EA and RD deadlines. But I think EA is a good idea if you can manage it.
Many colleges require transcripts and letters of rec by the EA deadlines. Double check for the schools you are looking at.
My mistake on that, some schools have an October deadline for just essay, and another November one for other documents. Some schools have just one November deadline for everything, similar to an early decision. Still though, I’m not planning on taking any more tests and my teacher recs are already being written, so the only barrier is whether I can finish my essay on time or not.
Some people simply aren’t ready yet. Some people want to add their 7th Semester grades to help bolster their transcript.
Assuming grades, test scores, LORs and essays are all ready to go, applying EA is a great idea.
One reason you would not apply EA is if you think you can significanly improve your application between the EA and RD deadlines. Examples of this may be if you plan to re-take a standardized tests and the results won’t be in by the EA deadline, if you feel it would help to show another semester of strong grades etc. A second reason you might not apply EA is if your essay is incomplete, your teacher recs aren’t complete etc. (schools can require all documents to be in by the deadline) and you don’t want to rush things.
That said, if your application is in order by the deadline then EA is a great option.
If the EA is restrictive in some way that impacts you, such as not allowing you to apply EA to some other desired school, then you may have to choose one or the other.