Early Decision vs Early Action: Key Differences
| Feature | Early Decision (ED) | Early Action (EA) |
|---|---|---|
| Binding? | Yes - must attend if accepted | No - can compare offers |
| Deadline | November 1-15 | November 1-15 |
| Decision Date | Mid-December | December-February |
| Can Apply to Others? | No other early apps | Usually yes (check restrictions) |
| Acceptance Rate | Often 2-3x higher than RD | Sometimes higher than RD |
When to Choose Early Decision
- You have a clear first-choice school
- You've researched the school thoroughly
- Financial aid isn't a deciding factor (or you've used the net price calculator)
- Your application is as strong as it will get
When to Choose Early Action
- You want early answers without commitment
- You want to compare financial aid offers
- You're strong but not sure about your top choice
- You want flexibility to continue applying