Early Action, Early Decision, Restrictive Early Action - What Does it All Mean?

[Updated 11.29.24]

The pressure on students intensifies in October due to Early Action and Early Decision application deadlines, which often fall on or around November 1. Not all students need to worry about these deadlines, but if your student is trying to navigate them, read on.

Clearing Up the Lingo

All colleges and universities clearly list their application deadlines on their websites, typically in the Admissions section. Let's break down the different types of deadlines:

Regular Decision (RD)

• The deadline by which applications for the next year must be received

• Some schools only have one deadline, and this is it

• Deadlines range widely, from October to early summer, with most falling between November and January

Early Action (EA)

• Allows students to apply early without committing to attend (non-binding)

• Deadlines typically fall in the fall, often in November

• Students receive decisions earlier, usually in December

• May make students eligible for certain merit aid awards or scholarships

• Students can apply to multiple EA schools

• Not all schools offer EA, and it's optional where available

• Students can consider all options and make decisions in the spring

Early Decision (ED)

• Very different from EA, despite similar naming

• Often offered by highly selective colleges

• Students can apply ED to only one college

• Requires an agreement (through Common App) signed by students, parents, and high school counselor

• If accepted, students must commit to attending, decline admission offers from other schools, and withdraw pending applications

• Students should consult their high school counselor before applying ED and give serious consideration to the financial ramifications of ED

• Applications and acceptances occur before financial aid information is available – there is no opportunity to compare packages

Early Decision II (EDII)

• Some schools that offer ED also offer EDII

• The terms and requirements are the same as ED, but deadline is in early January.  

• Some families might be better able to assess financial considerations at this point, and some students might have more clarity about preferred schools, so this can be a good option for some

• Applying EDII is the same as ED in that acceptance through these processes eliminates the ability of families to compare financial packages

Other Categories

• Some schools have specific categories, like Restrictive Early Action (REA)

• REA allows application to one school without committing to attend if admitted

• Usually precludes applying EA or ED to other schools

• Families should carefully investigate the details of these programs

Reminders for All Families

1. Students should review and manage their own deadlines:
   - Prioritize Early Action (and Early Decision, if applicable) applications

2. Spread out the work strategically

3. Reduce stress by double-checking requirements and deadlines:
   - Many deadlines are in January
   - Not all colleges require multiple essays

4. Create and follow a plan:
   - Plan the work
   - Work the plan

Remember, most students apply through Regular Decision and Early Action processes. By understanding these options and planning accordingly, students can navigate the application process more effectively and with less stress.