EARLY ACTION EARLY DECISION
Early Action:
Some colleges offer an opportunity to apply early and receive an answer
early. Normally the student applies in November and would receive a
response in December.
With an Early Action plan, the student does not need to reply until May 1.
Early Decision:
With an Early Decision plan, the student applies in November and would
receive a reply in December. Acceptance is binding and the student must
attend if accepted and withdraw all other applications.
Often the most competitive students apply Early Action or Early Decision.
Who should apply Early Decision?
A student who is happy with his test scores from the junior year.
A student who has decided on the number one choice college.
A student who is happy with his grade point average.
A student who is not dependent on financial aid.
A student who has visited the college.
Positive Aspects of Early Decision
It’s over. The student gets accepted and does not need to fill out any other
applications. The student is obligated to contact other colleges and
withdraw all other applications.
The colleges often take a higher percentage of students early.
The student’s application may be deferred to the regular pool of
applications later in the year. (often in April)
Negative Aspects of Early Decision
The student could receive a rejection in December. If the student had
waited, he would have an opportunity to submit the seventh semester
(senior year) grades or new information including awards or honors
received since the application was filed.
The most competitive students often apply early. Do you fit in that category?
Not every student knows where he wants to attend college early in the fall.
The student must be organized and get all the paperwork in early.
Early Action and Early Decision
