Most Early Action deadlines are on November 1 or November 15, but they can range from October 1 to December 1 depending on the school. Many students hear back from their colleges by the end of December. However, an early submission means starting on your application sooner, so you’ll need a game plan if you want to put your best foot forward by your school’s Early Action deadline.
What is Early Action?
Early Action (EA) is a non-binding early application cycle offered by some colleges and universities. Students submit their application before regular decision applicants and hear back faster from the school. If you’re accepted, you can decide whether or not to attend by May 1.
Unlike Early Decision, you can typically apply to as many schools as you’d like under Early Action. However, some colleges have started introducing “Restrictive Early Action,” which states you can only apply to that single school under Early Action or Early Decision. You’re welcome to apply to schools under regular decision whether the school has Restrictive EA or not.
Other schools offer Early Action II, which is a second round of the application cycle.
What is the Early Action deadline?
Most Early Action deadlines for college applications fall on either November 1 or November 15. However, some schools may have earlier due dates, such as October 1, or later deadlines in December. You may have an additional week or two to submit materials, such as ACT/SAT scores and letters of recommendation.
If offered, Early Action II due dates are often January 1 or January 15.
Visit your colleges’ websites for more information about available application cycles and Early Action due dates.
When do Early Action decisions come out?
Early Action decisions usually come out one to two months after the stated deadline. Most students who apply by November 1 or November 15 under EA receive the college’s response by December 15 or December 31. Early Action II applicants should hear back by mid- to late February.
If you’re accepted, you have until May 1 to decide whether or not you’d like to attend. If you’re deferred, your EA application will be reviewed again with the regular decision pool and you can expect a response by mid-March to early April.
Should you apply under Early Action?
Here are some benefits of applying under Early Action that you should note:
- You could improve your acceptance chances. Colleges often have higher acceptance rates for Early Action compared to regular decision. You also show the admissions team they’re your top choice and you’re serious about attending. Many colleges take demonstrated interest into account.
- It’s not binding. The Early Decision application process is binding, which means if you’re accepted, you’re expected to attend. Early Action doesn’t have this requirement. As a result, you can apply to more schools, compare financial aid offers, and make a decision later.
- You receive an answer faster. Regular decision applicants usually have to wait at least two months to hear from a school. Early Action students often have an answer in hand in just a month.
- You might be eligible for more institutional aid. Some schools have priority scholarship and grant deadlines that are in line with their EA due dates. By submitting your application by this date, you could receive a larger financial aid package.
However, there is a major downside: you have to complete your application sooner. You’ll have to collect letters of recommendation, write your essay, and take the SAT/ACT score earlier compared to regular decision applicants. If your submission isn’t quite ready, it may be in your best interests to wait until the regular decision deadline to apply to the school rather than turning in a less impressive application.
Tips for applying Early Action
To have your Early Action application ready by the deadline, create a plan. Follow these tips:
- Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines. If you’re applying to multiple schools under Early Decision, create a spreadsheet that highlights important due dates, including materials deadlines.
- Request materials early. Ask for your high school transcripts a month before your school’s EA deadline, and no later than October 1. Talk to your teachers or mentors about letters of recommendation in September.
- Plan your final ACT/SAT test date. You might be able to take a final ACT/SAT before your EA due date. Check ACT/SAT processing times and your colleges’ material deadlines to determine the last available testing day.
- Start on your essay over the summer. You should never write your college essay overnight. Begin brainstorming in the summer to give yourself time to write, get feedback, and edit.
- Work on other college applications. Never put all of your eggs in one basket. Always work on other applications at the same time so you can improve your overall admission chances.
Finding your Early Action school
If you have your heart set on a particular college or university, Early Action could increase your admission chances and allow you to have an answer sooner. College Raptor can help you learn more about your acceptance chances and your chosen school – start here with College Match.
