While you want to have a balanced college list and apply to multiple schools regardless, you may already have in mind a specific school that you want to attend. You can show them how serious you are by choosing early action or early decision in the college application process. Here are the differences between the two.
- Early Action – The major benefit of an early action plan is that the decision is non-binding. In other words, you can apply early and get an early response but still change your mind later. If you choose early action, you will have to apply to the school early, and you can expect a reply in the first couple of months of the calendar year. Only choose this option with one school, and don’t use it at all if you opt for an early decision.
- Early Decision – This is a binding agreement with a school that you choose to apply early to. You also get an early response, but if the school accepts your application – that is where you are going! Sometimes the decision can come in as little as a month. Remember that you can only apply early decision to one school, and you should not apply early action to another. You should still apply to other schools, but with the understanding that if your early decision school accepts your application, that’s the school you are going to, regardless of other responses.
College Admissions Support from the Pros
For more college admissions help, contact College Planning Source today. Just call 858.676.0700, or you can request your virtual assessment online. Don’t forget to register for one of our free webinars as well.
