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If you know or are pretty sure what college or university you want to attend, you’re probably considering using Early Action or Early Decision to apply. However, applying for Early Decision or Early Action means you do have to start working on your application at a different time than Regular Decision.
Early Action is Different From Early Decision
Early Action and Early Decision are sometimes used interchangeably in conversation, but they’re actually different. For starters, Early Decision is a binding contract. If you apply under Early Decision, if you are accepted, you have to attend the college in the following fall. The only way you will be excused is for financial reasons, which you will have to prove. If you are considering Early Decision, you want to be absolutely positive that this is the college you want to attend.
Early Action, however, is not binding, but it does show you the school you are very interested in attending there. It also allows you to receive an answer earlier when it comes to acceptance.
Depends on Early Action vs Early Decision and Your College Choice
When you should start crafting your Early Action or Early Decision application depends on your personal choices. First, you have to look at what your college offers. Not all schools offer both. While some do, many only offer Early Action or Early Decision.
However, if they offer both, you need to decide which works better for you. Is this a school you’re absolutely sure you want to attend or are you still on the fence? Early Decision is a serious decision, so make sure to give it serious thought.
Start As Soon as You Can
Once you are sure you’re applying for Early Decision or Early Action, you need to start working on your application as soon as possible. They usually have much earlier due dates, with applications starting to come due in November and December. It’s not a lot of time to put together your application and make it look its best, so it’s important to start as soon as you can.
Once you know how you’re applying, start checking what your potential college is looking for in an application. Do your due diligence when it comes to research and ensure your application looks its best. Ask your guidance counselor, a teacher, or another mentor for assistance.
If you feel you can’t give your application the attention it needs for either Early Action or Early Decision or you simply don’t have the time, you may want to consider waiting for regular decision. It could be detrimental to your application if you rush it or leave our important information you remember later on.
When you submit your Early Action or Early Decision application depends entirely on your personal choices, preferences, and choice of school. Ensure you know your school’s due date for either application choice well in advance. Give yourself enough time to properly prepare your application for your best chance of acceptance. Make a checklist of the application guidelines and requirements so you can be sure you have everything handled ahead of time.
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