<p>Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA)?
I've been curious lately</p>
<p>Simplest answer:</p>
<p>Early Decision is binding - if you’re accepted you have committed to going there. Obviously you can only apply to one school ED.</p>
<p>Early Action is not binding - if you’re accepted, you still have until May to make your decision. With a few exceptions, you can apply to multiple schools EA.</p>
<p>There are many flavors of each, many variations and restrictions on some. Use the Search function on these forums to get more detailed answers to the question.</p>
<p>Thank you! ah that makes me NERVOUS to apply ED</p>
<p>What is ED II?</p>
<p>ED II is a “second round” of Early Decision at some schools. It has a later deadline and later response date than ED I. It is just as binding as ED I: If you apply ED II and are accepted, you are bound to go.</p>
<p>Some students don’t decide until later to apply ED, or they need more time to work on their application. They can use ED II. Or if you apply ED I and are deferred or rejected, you can apply to a different school under ED II. (Of course, if you are accepted under ED I, you’re done - no more applications.)</p>
<p>Dang, Is it helpful to apply ED?</p>
<p>ED may improve your chances of getting accepted, but it can also create major issues with finaid. Some schools may say that will give an “estimate” of finaid to ED acceptaances.</p>
<p>Oh so they don’t necessarily hold to it?</p>
<p>The estimate isn’t binding on the school but it should be pretty close to the final FA award. The issue is more that ED applicants don’t have the opportunity to do comparison shopping on financial aid, and at some schools may not even have an ED estimate to work from. So for students with significant financial need, ED is “flying blind,” taking it on faith that the finances will work.</p>