Should You Apply Early to College?
The college application process can be like getting involved in a relationship: the sooner you say “I love you, “ the better the odds are that it’s going to work out… but don’t commit unless you are sure!
The odds of admission are better with early decision across the board, but even if you are sure, you have to be careful: you don’t want to waste your shot on a school that’s too much of a reach.
Types of college application categories:
Early Decision (ED): you can only apply to one school. Most deadlines are November 1 or November 15. You get a decision by December 15. If you are accepted, you must attend (and withdraw any other applications).
Early Action (EA) is non-binding. The timeline is similar to ED. You can apply EA to more than one school, and if accepted, you don’t have to let them know whether or not you will attend until May 1st.
Regular Decision applications are usually due in January. You’ll get a decision late March/early April. You can apply to as many schools as you want to.
A carefully thought-out ED application can have significant benefits. For example, here are some of the schools who admit the highest percentages of their first-year students through early decision:
As you would expect, if schools are filling a big chunk of their class with ED applications, the odds of acceptance are also greater. Here is a table comparing ED acceptance rates with Regular Decision acceptance rates:
The Pros and Cons of Early College Applications:
Early Decision
Pros:
You show the school it’s your top choice
You potentially increase your odds of acceptance
You get the application/decision process done early
Cons:
The decision is binding and even if you have doubts, you will still have to attend
Senior year grades will not be a factor. If you were hoping to show improvement over junior year, you will not be able to.
You’ll have to finish your application faster and get your test scores in sooner
You will not be able to weigh grants and scholarships from several schools
Early Action
Pros:
You show the school you’re extremely interested, which could boost your acceptance odds
You get your applications done early
It’s non-binding and you time to consider other offers of acceptance and financial aid
You can apply to as many schools as you want to
Cons:
You might not get as big a bump in odds of acceptance as ED, but there aren’t many downsides to EA
Senior year grades won’t be a factor
Regular Decision
Pros:
You have more time to research schools and complete applications
You can take the ACT or SAT up until December
First semester senior year grades will be considered
It’s non-binding and you can apply to as many schools as you want to
Cons:
You won’t receive a decision until 2-3 months after you apply
You will have less time to make your final decision
It’s a confusing and complicated process. Let me help reduce family stress and make sure that this crucial and life-changing decision is the best it can be! You can find my stand alone services for the college application process here.
