Three of the seven schools I am applying to offer early action applications. None of these schools are my number one choice, but I am obviously very interested in attending them. I would love to get some stress out of the way by finding out my acceptance status ahead of time. Would there be any harm in applying to all three early action?
No harm at all! As long as you are satisfied that your testing and your application is ready to go – apply non-binding EA! My kid did the same, and what a relief to have a bunch of acceptances by Dec 1 to relieve the pressure.
As long as they are non-binding, and they do not have restrictions against applying early action to the other schools, then applying early action to all which offer it makes sense.
Any college which admits you early and is affordable becomes a safety, so that if you have that early, you may be able to forego applying to other colleges which you like less than that college (at that net price). Of course, the applications for those other colleges still need to be prepared until you get an early affordable admission.
- You are allowed to apply to as many EA schools as you want (but not ED)
- it is usually advantageous to apply EA…Be the first 3.75 GPA /1350 SAT student they see, not the last one. Also more scholarship opportunities MAY be available.
- The only reason I wouldn’t do it is if there were school specific essays you had to do and you dont’ have the time to do a good job on them. Then put it off to RD.