<p>For applying early to schools can I apply to both UPenn and UChicago since Penn is ED but not single-choice ED like Yale and UChicago is EA?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure all ED is single-choice. UPenn's definitely is. UChicago's EA isn't restrictive, but I don't think you'd be able to apply to both.</p>
<p>^I don't think that's correct.</p>
<p>You can only apply to ONE ED school, as that is a contractual agreement. However, you are able to apply to other EA schools (as long as they aren't SCEA, like Yale) and RD schools. If you get into your ED school you have to withdraw all your other applications/offer of admissions at other schools.</p>
<p>Plus, Yale isn't ED. It's SCEA - Single Choice Early Action - so you can apply there early (and only there early) but if you get in, you aren't contractually obliged to go there.</p>
<p>Whoops. So in conclusion, you COULD apply to UPenn ED, UChicago EA, and other non-restrictive EA programs, but if you were accepted to UPenn ED, you'd have to withdraw your EAs and all your other applications and you'd be in a contract with UPenn to enroll.</p>
<p>Right.</p>
<p>Only one ED college at a time. (If you aren't accepted at an ED college, some colleges have "ED II" where you apply by the regular deadline, but you are committed to go if they accept you, and they give their decision in February.)</p>
<p>Most ED colleges don't mind if you apply to one or more other colleges EA at the same time, as long as it's clear you are obligated to the ED college if you are accepted there. The one exception to this I know is Brown, which forbids simultaneous EA applications.</p>
<p>Most EA colleges don't mind if you apply simultaneously ED somewhere. Chicago doesn't (officially; unofficially Dean O'Neil recently said he wished people wouldn't do this). Some EA colleges do prohibit simultaneous ED applications -- Georgetown and BC, and there may be others. And of course Yale and Stanford, who don't want you applying anywhere else early, EA or ED.</p>
<p>What is considered an "early" application for purposes of these rules can get technical. Rolling admission applications aren't, there also tend to be exceptions for scholarship programs.</p>
<p>What you should take away from this is: Don't assume anything. Read the rules of all the colleges to which you might apply early very carefully.</p>
<p>Dec 12
EA vs. ED</p>
<p>By Bizzy Hemphill on December 12, 2008 10:28 AM | Comments (35)</p>
<p>We in the admissions office cannot fail to notice the debate over whether Chicago should be EA or ED, and we've heard arguments for both sides. This debate has been going on for quite a while, and you'd be surprised to hear how far-reaching it has become. Students and counselors around the world talk about this (you may think I'm exaggerating, but it's true!). There's even another side--non-restrictive EA vs. single-choice or restrictive EA. For those of you not hip to the college admissions lingo, here's the run-down on various early application options:</p>
<p>We like to describe these policies in relationship terms.</p>
<p>Early Decision: When you apply, you sign an engagement form. If you get in, you are marrying (i.e. attending) that college.</p>
<p>Single-Choice or Restrictive Early Action: You are going steady with that college. You are exclusively dating and can only apply early to that one school, but there's no obligation to marry (i.e. attend) that college.</p>
<p>Non-Restrictive Early Action (what we have): We're just dating. You can date (i.e. apply early to) as many other schools as you want, as long as their policies agree with that. You are under no obligation to marry us.</p>
<p>Some of you may wonder why we have chosen our non-restrictive early action plan. Why not go straight for commitment? Why not date exclusively?</p>
<p>Ted O'Neill, our wonderful Dean of Admissions, has written a note explaining our policy:</p>
<p>Anyone who wants to go to Chicago without question or hesitation can apply EA and get an honest decision and treat the whole process as if it is ED.</p>
<p>However, we refuse to enforce a coercive ED policy which benefits colleges and not students, and which offers even more advantages to families who don't really have to think about finances when selecting their college.</p>
<p>The only way ED can be seen as an attractive option for a student is when there is an implied (or, real) advantage given to ED applicants. The implication, or fact, that an offer of admission is easier to come by ED basically cheats students who apply later, leads to a less talented class, and encourages strategizing (on both sides) rather than thinking.</p>
<p>We like the feel of our open EA plan, even when we get burned. We wish students would not apply EA to us and ED elsewhere, which, while not in violation of any of our rules, seems to violate the unspoken rule that we will treat each other with proper respect. If we struggle to make admissions decisions, and base our decisions on the assumption that any EA applicant thinks of Chicago as a top choice and will be free to make that choice, and then learn that the student has in effect committed himself or herself elsewhere, we have to feel disappointed, not just with the loss of a good student but with the kind of decision making that involves a deception.</p>
<p>That all sounds very moralistic. Let us just say that we want students to have a chance to apply early, no strings attached. I think such a policy is good for all of us, even if it isn't good for our yield rates, the US News ratings, or for our financial aid expenses.</p>
<p>Sorry if some of you wish you could make a clearer declaration of your feelings for Chicago as a first choice school. All I can urge is that you write a really good Chicago supplement, the highest compliment we can receive, and the best way to insist that we take you seriously.</p>