<p>*
So let’s say I’m applying to 12 schools. One School early action and the rest regular. If I get accepted to that early action school, I HAVE to attend that school no matter what? I’m still confused.*</p>
<p>No. As pointed out in this and several others threads, Early Decision is binding, Early action is not. If you go Early action and get accepted, you can turn them down anytime before May 1st (if you accept another school, you are obliged to turn them down when you do that i.e. when you put the deposit down). </p>
<p>If you apply early decision, yes, you need to accept that school and you can get out of the obligation only under limited and special circumstances </p>
<p>Check out the students rights and responsibilities,</p>
<p>[Students'</a>; Rights and Responsibilities in the College Admission Process (Also Available in Spanish)](<a href=“http://www.nacacnet.org/PUBLICATIONSRESOURCES/MARKETPLACE/STUDENT/Pages/RightsandResponsibilities.aspx]Students’”>http://www.nacacnet.org/PUBLICATIONSRESOURCES/MARKETPLACE/STUDENT/Pages/RightsandResponsibilities.aspx)</p>
<p>**
After You Receive Your Admission Decisions:
You must notify each college or university that accepts you whether
you are accepting or rejecting its offer. You should make these
notifications as soon as you have made a final decision as to the
college you wish to attend, but no later than May 1. It is understood
that May 1 will be the postmark date.
You may confirm your intention to enroll and, if required, submit a
deposit to only one college or university. The exception to this arises
if you are put on a wait list by a college or university and are later
admitted to that institution. You may accept the offer and send a
deposit. However, you must immediately notify a college or university
at which you previously indicated your intention to enroll.
If you are accepted under an early decision plan, you must promptly
withdraw the applications submitted to other colleges and universities
and make no additional applications. If you are an early decision
candidate and are seeking financial aid, you need not withdraw other
applications until you have received notification about financial aid.**</p>