More and more students are applying to college early in their senior year, months before the regular admissions deadline. What's the rush? Should your student hurry up—or wait?
Early Decision vs. Early Action
About 400 U.S. colleges offer Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) programs. Both programs allow students to apply early and hear back well in advance of traditional deadlines, reducing the amount of nail-nibbling waiting time that can make senior year so stressful. However, you and your student need to be aware of a crucial difference between the two programs: ED is binding and EA is not.
Commitment vs. No Strings
Students who apply for ED must make a firm commitment to attend if they're accepted, provided the financial aid package is satisfactory. That means withdrawing all other applications, refusing all other acceptances and usually paying a deposit shortly after acceptance. Most colleges prohibit ED applicants from applying ED anywhere else, though they may file for regular admission.
Under EA plans, on the other hand, there's no commitment. Students hear back in January or February, but they don't have to make a final decision until the national regular admissions deadline of May 1.