Early Action (EA) is a non-binding admissions process that allows students to receive an early response from colleges, typically by December. Unlike Early Decision (ED), EA does not require you to commit to attending if accepted, giving you more flexibility while still benefiting from an early response. Here’s everything you need to know about EA release dates, how different schools handle EA, and what to do if you’re not accepted.
When Do EA Decisions Come Out?
Most colleges release their Early Action decisions between mid-December and late January. While some schools announce specific decision dates in advance, others provide only a general timeframe.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Mid-December: Many selective private universities and some public institutions release EA decisions around this time.
- Late December: Some schools, particularly those with restrictive EA policies, may release decisions closer to the end of the year.
- January: A handful of colleges, especially very large public universities with rolling or multiple EA rounds, may release decisions in early to mid-January.
To find the exact EA decision release date for your schools, check their admissions websites or look for updates via email and applicant portals.
Do Ivy League Schools Share the Same EA Release Date?
No, because not all Ivy League schools offer Early Action. Among the Ivies, only Harvard, Princeton, and Yale offer Restrictive Early Action (REA), which is a non-binding but exclusive form of EA. This means that if you apply to one of these schools under REA, you typically cannot apply EA to other private institutions but may apply EA to public universities.
These Ivy League schools generally release their decisions on the same day or within a close time frame, usually in mid-December. However, dates can vary slightly from year to year, so it’s important to check each university’s admissions page for updates.
Other Ivy League schools—Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Penn, and Brown—do not offer Early Action, instead providing either Early Decision (ED) or Regular Decision (RD) options.
While these deadline policies are usually consistent year over year, it’s important to check each school’s website and confirm their deadline options for your application year.
Are All EA Policies the Same?
No, different colleges have different EA policies. Here are the main types:
- Early Action (EA): You can apply to multiple schools EA and are not required to commit if accepted. Many public universities (i.e., University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Virginia) follow this model.
- Restrictive Early Action (REA) / Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA): Offered by selective private schools (i.e., Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford), this type of EA restricts you from applying EA or ED to other private institutions but allows you to apply EA to public schools.
- Rolling Early Action: Some schools (i.e., Michigan State, Penn State) review applications as they are received and release decisions on a rolling basis, often beginning in late fall and continuing through early winter.
What to Do If You’re Rejected or Deferred
If You’re Rejected
A rejection in the EA round can be disappointing, but it doesn’t define your college prospects. Here’s what you should do:
- Reassess Your College List – If an EA rejection comes from a highly selective school, consider adding more target and safety schools to your Regular Decision list.
- Strengthen Your RD Applications – Use the extra time to refine your essays, improve your test scores (if possible), and secure stronger letters of recommendation.
- Stay Positive – Many students get into great colleges through Regular Decision, even after EA rejections. Keep pushing forward!
If You’re Deferred
Being deferred means your application will be reconsidered during the Regular Decision (RD) round. You will receive a final response when RD results come out, typically in March. Here’s what to do:
- Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (If Allowed) – Some schools allow you to send a letter of continued interest (LOCI) to express your enthusiasm and update them on any new achievements.
- Improve Your Academic Standing – Send updated grades, along with any other updates the school requires.
- Consider Additional Schools – Since there’s no guarantee of acceptance in RD, ensure you have a well-rounded college list with many safety and target schools. Remember that acceptance rates typically decrease as you move through the application process.
Final Thoughts
Early Action is a great option for students who want an early response without the commitment of Early Decision. However, policies vary across schools, and decisions can be unpredictable. Whether you’re accepted, deferred, or rejected, remember that your college journey is far from over—you still have Regular Decision and other opportunities ahead.
Working with a Solomon consultant can help you navigate the school list process. Your consultant can also assist you in writing your LOCI and making a plan for your RD applications.
Stay focused, keep your options open, and make the most of your remaining application deadlines!
Former Senior Admissions Counselor at University of Chicago
2 years in University of Chicago Admissions
4,000+ Applications Read and Evaluated
After graduating from the University of Chicago with a major in Geographical Studies and a minor in Art History, Maura joined the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at UChicago. In her two years there, she recruited students from across the country, evaluated more than 4,000 UChicago applications, offered information sessions on applying to highly selective universities, led educational essay writing workshops, and advocated for students in the admissions committee.
