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[Last Updated on July 9, 2025]
Applying early can be a smart move in the college admissions process, but it’s crucial to understand your options. This guide will break down the difference between early action and early decision, clarify if early decision is binding, explore Early Decision vs Early Action vs Regular Decision, and help you decide what’s right for your application strategy.
Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission plan. That means if you apply ED to a college and are accepted, you’re legally obligated to attend that school and must withdraw all other college applications.
When you’re accepted through Early Decision, you must immediately withdraw all other college applications and commit to enrollment. This makes ED ideal for students who have identified their absolute top-choice school and are confident about their decision.
Many colleges also offer Early Decision II with later deadlines (usually early January) and notifications in February. This gives students a second chance at binding early admission.
Early Action is a non-binding early application option that offers flexibility while providing early notification. Here’s how it works:
Early Action allows you to apply early while maintaining the freedom to compare offers of admissions, scholarship offers and make your final decision by the traditional May 1st deadline.
Some universities like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford offer Restrictive Early Action. REA or SCEA is non-binding (similar to EA); however, it limits your ability to apply to other private colleges’ early programs while still being non-binding. While not as significant as a commitment as ED, REA or SCEA also signals to admissions officers that their college is your top choice.
| Feature | Early Decision (ED) | Early Action (EA) |
| Commitment Level | Binding – must attend if accepted | Non-binding – can decline |
| Number of Applications | One ED school only | Multiple EA schools allowed |
| Application Deadline | Early to mid-November | Early to mid-November |
| Decisions Released | Mid-December to mid-February | Mid-December |
| Scholarship Comparisons | Limited ability to compare | Can compare multiple offers |
| Best For | Students with a clear top choice | Students wanting early notification with flexibility |
November 1st: Most common deadline for both ED and EA applications
November 15th: Secondary deadline used by some institutions
December 15th-31st: Typical ED notification period
December 15th-February 15th: Typical notification period
January 1st: Early Decision II deadline at many schools
February: ED2 notification period
Yes, you can apply to one Early Decision school and multiple Early Action schools, unless applying to Restrictive Early Action programs.
Acceptance rates are often higher for early applicants; however, the extent of this advantage compared to Regular Decision varies by school.
It depends. Students should contact the admissions office immediately if circumstances change significantly.
Being deferred isn’t a rejection—it means the admissions committee wants to review your application alongside the regular decision pool. If a student is deferred from Early Decision to Regular Decision, they are no longer required to attend if admitted.
Ready to make your early admission decision? Here’s what to do next:
Remember, whether you choose Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision, the most important factor is finding colleges where you’ll thrive academically, socially and personally.
Still unsure? Book a free consultation with us and pair up with a former admissions officer to support your application strategies. The more informed you are, the stronger your application strategy will be.
