Early Action and Early Decision Applications

   There is a valuable option offered by many colleges called Early Action or Early Decision. Believe it or not, the subtle difference between "action" and "decision" make a huge difference on the application process.

   As it so happens, the two schools that I applied to (UGA and Princeton) each use a variation on one of the above systems for early applications. Before I go any further, let me make it clear that the system(s) used by colleges may go by many different names, but these are the general characteristics associated with each system.

The Early Action System

   A lot of schools, including the University of Georgia, have a non-binding Early Action system. In this system, an applicant may apply and submit their application by mid-October to November and receive a decision by December. 

   The application for an Early Action system may or may not be shorter than the regular application, but it usually is. The length of the Early Action application is decided on a school-by-school basis. The outcome of an Early Action application can be either acceptance, rejection, or a deferment off to the regular decision application.

   Unless combined with some of the terms found below, Early Action applications are typically non-binding. 

The Early Decision System

   The Early Decision application, on the other hand, is binding. It is like a contract that you enter in with a particular college: if you submit your application and are accepted, then you must attend that school. If you are accepted by an Early Decision school, you will typically be offered a financial aid package by that school agreed upon in your contract by you and your family.

Some Lingo You NEED to Know:

• Non-binding- your application is just like a regular application, and you can either accept or decline the school's offer of admission.

• Single Choice- if this is placed in front of an application system, it means that you are only allowed to apply to that particular school early. You may not apply to any other schools with an early decision or early action application, but you may apply to other schools with a regular application. Single choice is still non-binding unless otherwise stated. (For example, Princeton has this kind of early admission option, but allows you to apply to a PUBLIC institution as well)

• Binding- your application is like a contract; if you submit it and are accepted, you agree automatically to commit to that particular school

• Restrictive (Early Action)- you may apply to as many schools as you want Early Action, but no Early Decision applications 

Useful Websites:

• http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/early
• http://theivycoach.com/newsletter/early-action-vs.-early-decision/