Early Action vs Early Decision
If your child already knows which college he or she wants to attend, applying early may be a good idea. According to collegeboard.com, students who apply early may have a better chance of acceptance than regular-decision applicants. An early application demonstrates strong interest, and admissions officers want students in their schools who want to be there.
There are three types of early application plan: Early Decision, Single Choice Early Action, and Multi Choice Early Action. Each plan is detailed below to help your family make an informed decision.
Early Decision allows students to apply to college earlier than other applicants. Students who are accepted are obligated to enroll.
Early Action also gives students the chance to apply early, but those who are accepted do not necessarily have to enroll. Students may choose single choice or multi-choice early action, the latter of which enables them to apply to other schools under the same plan.
Under both Early Decision and Early Action, students apply in November and receive an acceptance, rejection, or wait-list notification in mid-December. This table illustrates the plans’ similarities and differences:
There are three types of early application plan: Early Decision, Single Choice Early Action, and Multi Choice Early Action. Each plan is detailed below to help your family make an informed decision.
Early Decision allows students to apply to college earlier than other applicants. Students who are accepted are obligated to enroll.
Early Action also gives students the chance to apply early, but those who are accepted do not necessarily have to enroll. Students may choose single choice or multi-choice early action, the latter of which enables them to apply to other schools under the same plan.
Under both Early Decision and Early Action, students apply in November and receive an acceptance, rejection, or wait-list notification in mid-December. This table illustrates the plans’ similarities and differences:
Benefit to Student Applying early to other schools Applying regular acceptance to other schools Acceptance type |
Early DecisionCan ensure a spot in chosen school before others have applied. Not Allowed Allowed Binding |
Single Choice Early ActionCan ensure spot in chosen school while student awaits word about other applications.
Not Allowed Allowed Not Binding |
Multi-Choice Early ActionCan ensure a spot in more than one institution before others have applied. Allowed Allowed Not Binding |