{"id":7619,"date":"2024-05-31T09:57:14","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T13:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solomonadmissions.com\/?p=7619"},"modified":"2024-05-31T09:57:19","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T13:57:19","slug":"early-action-vs-early-decision-understanding-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solomonadmissions.com\/in\/post\/early-action-vs-early-decision-understanding-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Early Action vs Early Decision: Understanding the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

So, you\u2019ve started researching colleges you\u2019re interested in applying to. You\u2019ve done the virtual tour, read about the amazing clubs, and dreamt about having group Spotify sessions with your dorm floor. You\u2019re starting to make your spreadsheet with the college deadlines, and you\u2019re coming across a few different types of deadlines, including Early Decision<\/strong> and Early Action<\/strong>. What do those mean? Which deadline should you apply for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read below to find out more information on Early Decision<\/strong> vs Early Action<\/strong>, and how to understand the difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Early<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Early Decision (ED)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is Early Decision?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, let\u2019s talk about what Early Decision is. Early Decision is a type of admissions deadline that select colleges use for mainly first-year admission purposes. Here are five things to know about Early Decision:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Early Decision is a binding application program. What does this mean? Two things:\n
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    1. It means, that if admitted, you must<\/strong> attend this institution. When filling out the application, you, your parents, and your school counselor will have to sign an agreement acknowledging this. There are very limited exceptions to this rule and vary by school. Therefore, it is safe to always assume that there is no way to \u201cback out\u201d from an ED binding school if admitted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. It also means, due to the binding nature, you can only apply to one <\/strong>school early decision. Meaning, if you are interested in two colleges, and they both have ED deadlines, you will only be able to apply ED to one.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Applying Early Decision can provide an advantage in terms of a higher admit rate. This is because, if you are applying ED, you are committed to that school if accepted. It is a guaranteed assurance for colleges that you will be attending their institution if accepted \u2013 therefore, a boost in admit rates.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. There are two types of Early Decision deadlines, ED1 and ED2. ED2 is less common than ED1, but is still offered at select institutions. The only difference between ED1 and ED2, is that ED2 is typically a later deadline (oftentimes January) and provides less of an admit boost than ED1. A resource to see some colleges that have EDII deadlines can be found here<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. ED1 deadlines are typically in early November, and release decisions around December or January, making it a great way for you to know a decision early.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Not all colleges offer Early Decision. Early Decision is more common within highly selective institutions but can be at other schools as well.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      What are the pros and cons to applying ED?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Wondering if ED is the right choice for you? Here are some pros and cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n