Yes, the complexity begins right from the start with the alphabet soup of application
options: ED – EA – REA - RD. When filing your taxes seems simpler than applying to college, you know it’s complex. In this post, I’ll try to simplify the options.
When it comes to applying to colleges, the timeline and strategy you choose can significantly influence your application process and outcomes. Most colleges offer multiple application options: Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Regular Decision (RD). Each has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so understanding them is essential for making an informed choice. Here, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of these application types to help you determine the best path for your college journey.
What Is Early Decision (ED)?
Early Decision is a binding agreement between you and the college. If you apply ED and are accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw all other applications. Typically, ED deadlines are in November, with decisions released in December.
Pros of Early Decision:
Higher Acceptance Rates: Many colleges admit a larger percentage of ED applicants compared to RD applicants. For example, some prestigious institutions have ED acceptance rates anywhere from twice to four or more times as high as their RD rates.
Demonstrates Commitment: Applying ED signals to the college that it’s your top choice, which can boost your chances if your application is competitive.
Peace of Mind: Receiving an early decision allows you to finalize your plans sooner, reducing the stress of waiting for multiple decisions.
Cons of Early Decision:
Binding Agreement: Once accepted, you’re committed to attending, even if financial aid or scholarship offers fall short of your expectations.
Limited Options: By committing to one school early, you forgo the chance to compare financial aid packages or explore other opportunities.
High Pressure: ED applications require submitting materials early, which can be stressful if you’re still refining your essays or improving your test scores.
Backing out of Early Decision:
1. Change in Financial Circumstances: If a parent loses their job or there is a similar issue, colleges may provide more aid or simply release the student from the binding agreement.
2. Don’t Apply ED and Hope for More Aid: Run the Net Price Calculator on the college’s website. Don’t expect more aid than what is shown. Hope is not a strategy!
3. Consequences: I’ve never heard of a college suing over this, but the student may never be accepted in the future, even for grad school. In addition, a college may decide to not accept future applicants via ED from that high school for a period of time.
4. Bottom Line: Only apply via ED if you are fully prepared to commit to the university if accepted.
What Is Early Action (EA)?
Early Action allows you to apply early and receive a decision earlier than Regular Decision applicants, usually by December or January. Unlike ED, EA is non-binding, so you can apply to multiple schools and decide later.
Pros of Early Action:
Non-Binding Flexibility: You’re not obligated to attend if accepted, giving you the freedom to weigh other options.
Priority Consideration: Applying early may give you a competitive edge since your application is reviewed ahead of most RD applicants.
More Time for Decision-Making: EA decisions come early, giving you extra time to evaluate financial aid packages and visit campuses before the May 1 commitment deadline.
Cons of Early Action:
Early Deadlines: Similar to ED, you must complete your application earlier, which may not suit students needing more time to strengthen their applications.
Competitive Applicant Pool: While acceptance rates may be slightly higher than RD, EA still attracts strong candidates, making it competitive.
Restrictions at Some Schools: Some colleges offer Restrictive Early Action (REA), limiting you from applying early to other private schools.
What Is Restricted Early Action (REA)?
Restricted Early Action (REA), also known as Single-Choice Early Action, is a non-binding early application option offered by some highly selective schools. REA applicants can only apply early to one private institution but may still apply early to public universities or schools outside the U.S.
Pros of Restricted Early Action:
Non-Binding Commitment: Unlike ED, REA does not require you to attend if accepted, allowing you to evaluate other options.
Demonstrates Interest: Similar to ED, REA shows a strong interest in the institution, which may enhance your application’s competitiveness.
Early Decision Notification: Like other early options, REA decisions are typically released in December, giving you clarity earlier in the process.
Cons of Restricted Early Action:
Application Restrictions: You’re limited to applying early to only one private school, which can restrict your strategic options.
Highly Competitive: REA pools tend to attract exceptionally strong applicants, making the process highly competitive.
No Financial Aid Advantage: Since it is non-binding, you’ll still need to wait for other schools’ offers to compare financial aid packages.
What Is Regular Decision (RD)?
Regular Decision is the standard application timeline, with deadlines typically in January or February and decisions released in March or April. This option gives students the most time to prepare their applications.
Pros of Regular Decision:
More Time for Preparation: RD gives you extra months to improve your grades, enhance extracurriculars, and perfect your essays.
Ability to Compare Offers: By applying to multiple schools, you can compare financial aid and scholarship packages before making a final decision.
Less Pressure: RD timelines are less rushed, giving you ample time to carefully craft your application.
Cons of Regular Decision:
Delayed Decisions: Waiting until March or April to hear back can prolong the stress of the application process.
Lower Acceptance Rates: With many colleges filling a significant portion of their class during ED and EA rounds, RD applicants may face stiffer competition.
Rolling Admissions Disadvantage: If a school also offers rolling admissions, spots may already be limited by the time RD decisions are made.
What Is Rolling Admission?
Rolling Admission allows colleges to consider applicants as they apply. There is not a specific deadline for acceptances. In some cases, decisions may be received in just a couple of weeks. Some colleges may start with EA, then have an RD date, and then continue to take applications via Rolling Admission until the class is full. Some simply start with Rolling Admission from the beginning. Generally, colleges that utilize Rolling Admission have a higher acceptance rate than other colleges, although that may not be true for all programs.
I’m not going to provide the Pros and Cons here. Simply put, if you are interested in a college that utilizes a Rolling Admission policy, applying earlier makes a lot of sense. That being said, some students will apply later to a school with Rolling Admission in an effort to save money on the application fee. They may apply in March or April if they are not accepted to one of their top choices.
Remember, the later you apply to a school with Rolling Admission, the better chance that they have filled all of their seats.
Comparing Early Decision, Early Action, Restricted Early Action, and Regular Decision
Feature | Early Decision (ED) | Early Action (EA) | Restricted Early Action (REA) | Regular Decision (RD) |
Application Deadline | November | Oct/Nov/Dec | November | Jan/Feb |
Decision Notification | December | Dec/Jan | December | March/April |
Binding? | Yes | No | No | No |
Flexibility | Low | High | Moderate | High |
Acceptance Rates | Higher | Slightly Higher | Slightly Higher | Standard |
Financial Aid Comparison | Limited | Available | Available | Available |
How to Decide Which Option Is Right for You
Evaluate Your Top Choice:
If you have a clear first-choice college and are confident in your application, ED could be a good fit.
Ensure the school’s financial aid policies align with your needs since ED limits your ability to compare offers.
Assess Your Readiness:
If your application is strong and you’re eager for an early decision, consider ED or EA.
If you need more time to improve your test scores or finalize essays, RD may be a better option.
Consider Financial Aid Needs:
For families relying heavily on financial aid, EA, REA, or RD allows for more flexibility in comparing packages.
Strategize for Competitive Schools:
For highly selective colleges, applying ED or REA may slightly improve your chances due to demonstrated interest and smaller applicant pools.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Early Decision, Early Action, Restricted Early Action, and Regular Decision can feel overwhelming, but it ultimately comes down to your readiness, preferences, and financial situation. Research each college’s policies and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Whether you’re eager to commit early or prefer keeping your options open, aligning your application strategy with your goals will help set you on the path to success.
By understanding the nuances of these application types, you’ll not only maximize your chances of admission but also make the college application process a smoother and more informed experience.
About An Advisor for College
My name is Pirie McIndoe, and I am the founder of An Advisor for College. Having worked with over 350 colleges and universities during my 39 years in the higher education market, I bring a unique perspective to the college admissions process. I know what college admissions officers are looking for as they seek to develop a diverse student body. I’ve helped hundreds of students get admitted to their dream school. I am fully invested in each student’s success; helping them present the best version of themselves for college consideration. Contact me to learn how I can help you navigate this complex and competitive process. wwww.anadvisorforcollege.com
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