As a student applying to college, you should be aware of the options that you have for applying, such as Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision. Knowing how you want to apply to college can save you a lot of time and assure that you are making the best decision for yourself. Although you may be wondering, what’s the difference between early action vs early decision?
Early Action and Early Decision are commonly confused methods of applying to college because of the similarities in the programs. However, there are key differences between Early Action and Early Decision that every student applying to college should know.
Early Action vs Early Decision: What’s the Difference?
For both Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED), you apply to the college of your choice by an earlier deadline and, in turn, find out if you were accepted, rejected, or waitlisted earlier.
The key difference between applying Early Action vs Early Decision is that Early Decision is a binding decision, meaning you must attend the school if you are accepted and withdraw any other submitted applications. Early Action, on the other hand, is a non-binding decision.
Early Action
As outlined above, applying Early Action means that you submit your college application to the school of your choice at an earlier deadline and receive your admissions results sooner. You can apply Early Action to as many schools as you want, as long as the schools offer Early Action.
Early Action is a non-binding agreement, meaning that you are not obligated to accept the admission offers of the schools that you get into via Early Action.
Pros
You hear back whether or not you were accepted into schools sooner, meaning you may be able to end the college application process sooner.- It is a non-binding decision.
- Your application can be deferred if you are not accepted through Early Action. This means that even if you apply through Early Action, your application will be reconsidered along with the Regular Decision application pool.
- You can see your financial aid packages earlier and negotiate with more time.
Cons
Any new test scores, awards, honors, extracurricular activities, etc. will not be included in your application after submission.- You may be missing out on more competitive financial aid packages.
Popular Schools that Offer Early Action:
Early Action is offered by a wide variety of schools. Here are a few popular schools that offer it:
- Northeastern University
- Princeton University (single-choice Early Action, meaning that you cannot apply early to any other school though the decision is non-binding)
- Georgetown University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Early Decision
Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning that if you are accepted into the school you applied to ED, you are obligated to attend the school and withdraw any other applications. Just like Early Action, you apply Early Decision in an earlier timeframe and receive your acceptance decisions sooner.
You may only apply Early Decision to one school.
Pros
- Your chances of acceptance are significantly higher than if you apply Early Action or Regular Decision, especially for selective universities.
- If accepted, you are finished with the college application process earlier and already know what school you are attending.
- Your application can be deferred, or pushed to the Regular Decision applicant pool, giving you another chance at admission.
- If accepted, you receive your financial aid package sooner and have more time to negotiate.
Cons
- You are obligated to enroll in the school.
- You may be missing out on more competitive financial aid packages.
Popular Schools that Offer Early Decision
Early Decision is offered at many schools including, but not limited to:
- Columbia University
- Washington University
- Boston University
- Brown University
- Cornell University
Things to Ask Yourself When Applying Early Decision
Again, applying Early Decision is binding, so it’s important to think over the decision thoroughly before moving forward. Before applying Early Decision, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the school offer the option to apply Early Decision?
- Is this school your top, dream school that you would attend even if you were accepted anywhere else?
- Are you eligible to receive an affordable financial aid package? Does the school offer scholarships that can help you defray the cost of tuition?
- Is the location of this school somewhere you can spend the next four years of your life?
- Have you thoroughly researched this school in terms of geography, social scene, academics, extracurriculars, etc.?
>>>MORE: The best college scholarship sites you need to know about
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Early Action vs Early Decision: Which is Better?
Between Early Action vs Early Decision, there is no option that is necessarily “better,” but there may be an option that is more suitable for you. Early Action is more suited for students who don’t have a definite “dream school” in mind and want to keep their options open. Early Decision is for students who have a dream school that they would like to attend, without any reservations or hesitations.
However, before you decide between applying Early Action and Early Decision, you’ll want to assess whether or not applying early is a strategic, feasible option for you.
Things to Consider When Applying Early
If you want to apply early, you’ll want to have the following things:
- Sufficient time to write a killer application that highlights the best qualities about yourself through your Personal Statement essay, school-specific essays, extracurricular activities, etc. If the Early Action/Decision deadline seems too soon for you to put together a competitive application, consider applying Regular Decision.
- Test Scores/GPA that match or exceed the average stats of the school that you want to apply early for. You’ll want to be a competitive applicant if you are applying early, particularly for Early Decision. If you are taking the SAT/ACT after the deadline for Early Action/Decision or want to boost your GPA before submitting your transcript, consider applying Regular Decision.
I Want to Apply Early to College. What Do I Do Next?
Now that you’ve determined whether or not you want to apply early to college, it’s time to decide whether or not you should apply Early Action vs Early Decision for the colleges on your college list.
You should only apply Early Decision to a school you are 100% confident of being happy with attending. If there is no school that you feel this way about, apply Early Action. Keep in mind that you can apply Early Action and Early Decision – however, if you are accepted into the school that you applied Early Decision for, any other acceptances will have to be rejected.
>> MORE: What are the different types of financial aid to pay for college?
Student loan rates from our partners
Ascent
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 11/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 11/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
LendKey
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
Earnest
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Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
College Ave
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Closing Thoughts From the Nest
We hope that this article has helped you learn the difference between Early Action vs Early Decision and guided your decisions when applying to college.
As general advice, be sure to keep track of every college application deadline that you have and whether you are applying early or on the regular timeline. Staying organized and on top of your work is the key to success!
Once you’ve applied, you should start thinking about how to pay for college. To get the process started, compare student loan rates with Sparrow today. By completing the Sparrow form, you’ll be able to see which student loans you pre-qualify for and at what rates. Then, you can compare your loan options side-by-side to be sure you’re picking the best one.