Few elements of applying to college have generated more attention – and questions – than applying early. Do I have to apply early? What happens if I’m waitlisted? Are my chances better if I do go the early route? Will they get my latest test scores? What does not help matters is that applying early is not the same at every school. Often, applicants are confused about what they should do or are left wondering if they did the right thing. Let’s go over some of the basics to give you a better understanding of how it actually works.
The Basics
Generally speaking there are two types of Early Application processes: Early Action (often referred to as EA) and Early Decision (often referred to as ED). Early Action means you can apply to one or more schools and if you are accepted, you are under no obligation to attend that institution. You would have until May 1 to make your decision. You can also apply to as many Early Action schools as you like. Boston College, University of Chicago and Colorado College are examples of schools that have Early Action programs.
Early Decision works differently. If you apply early and you are accepted, then you will be attending that particular institution. This is often referred to as a binding process because once you are admitted you are committed – or bound – to that institution. As a result, you cannot apply to more than one Early Decision school. You might receive two acceptance letters but you also have two problems because both institutions will be expecting you in the fall. Some schools that have Early Decision programs are Stanford University, Wesleyan University and Duke University.
