Applying early action and early decision are fantastic options for students who feel confident with their application components and are willing to commit to a school, whether you have a good school in mind or you want to get the hectic college application process out of the way as quickly as possible.
Early action and early decision differ in that the commitment is different. When you apply early decision, you voluntarily commit to attending the school if you are accepted. Early action, however, is not binding. Numerous institutions, especially liberal arts universities, offer a second early decision round if you’re not ready to commit by the first. However, there are both pros and cons of applying early decision and early action.
You won’t be surprised to learn that every school has a different early application policy. Not all schools and universities offer early action; some only offer two early decision alternatives, while others don’t even have an early application period. To cover all the ways this option can help you, some brainstorming and perhaps the creation of a list of the advantages and disadvantages of applying early decision are required. We have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of applying early decision or early action to a top college to assist you navigate the various options:
Smaller Pool, Greater Chances
Start with the figures when weighing the benefits and drawbacks of implementing an early decision or early action. No matter which school you apply to in the early round, you’ll be up against a smaller applicant pool, so statistically speaking, you have a better chance of being accepted into a college. Of course, in order to compete against the top students nationwide, you must achieve superior grades, test results, extracurricular activities, and essays. However, traditionally, the early round acceptance percentages at top colleges have been much higher than normal.
Students that are optimistic about their chances will really benefit from it
It is evident that institutions are able to accept a higher proportion of applicants in this round. However, you shouldn’t merely submit a shoddy application in the hopes of getting accepted. Early applicants often have their things together. Competing against pupils who are confident in their academics, test results, and extracurricular activities. It’s likely that you won’t do well if you submit a lousy application. Colleges won’t admit you if you take early action and are a mediocre applicant since they know they can’t rely on you to provide a good grade.
Even if their ED is not in the greatest shape, students will occasionally rush to finish their applications to their desired schools in an effort to boost their chances and hold out hope for a miracle. This approach is not wise. However, you should absolutely apply for ED if you believe your profile is strong, your application is prepared to be delivered, and you are certain that your top choice is.
You finish earlier
When weighing the pros and cons of early decision and early action applications, it’s also advantageous to apply early because if you’re accepted, you won’t need to submit normal decision applications. Of course, until you hear back, you should keep working on regular decision applications to be ready for any outcome. However, after you’ve been informed, a huge burden will be taken off your shoulders. Additionally, you’ll be able to save both time and money.
ED is a Binding Commitment
Early application, especially early decision, isn’t always the best course of action because it has drawbacks. Once you’ve been accepted, you won’t be able to consider alternative options or determine whether other schools might make greater financial aid offers because it’s binding. Don’t take the risk if you aren’t completely prepared to commit, both financially and mentally.
You must prepare your application sooner
Keep in mind that you’ll need to have everything prepared and organized two months in advance as you balance the pros and cons of implementing an early decision and early action. Hold off on making an early decision if better grades in the second quarter could enhance your profile or if you’re waiting to do something significant later in the year.
Some schools provide both, but only one is seen favourably.
Early action carries drawbacks, despite the fact that it may seem more advantageous than not completely committing. For instance, admissions personnel are more likely to take you seriously if you apply ED to a school that accepts both ED and EA, like the University of Chicago, Colorado College, or the University of Richmond. You might submit an EA to keep your options open, which they might see as an indication of a candidate who may not commit if approved.
Apply with Rostrum
It can be intimidating to decide on just one college when there are so many to consider. However, if you do your homework and carefully examine a campus’s departments, student organisations, and facilities, you can find the ideal college for you even before you start looking for one.
Why hold off until the normal decision if that is the case? Consider your options, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of early decision and action, then go to work on your preparations. It’s a win if you can enjoy a stress-free last semester of high school by completing your college applications early.
At Rostrum, your application is mapped out well in advance of the deadline. We assist you not only with creating your profile but also with the timeline, document submissions, your essays, and other applications like financial aid. To schedule a free consultation, contact us right away!
