Rolling admissions vs early action at Temple University

I'm a bit stuck choosing between rolling admission and early action for Temple University. Can someone break down the differences and benefits of each to help me decide?

Certainly, let's break down these two types of admission methods:

Rolling Admission:

- This is an admission process in which an institution processes applications as they come in and makes decisions on a ongoing basis, usually within a few weeks of receiving all the application materials.

- For Temple University, this means that if you apply through rolling admission, you could possibly hear back about your admission status relatively quickly, depending on when you submit your application.

- The benefit here is that even if you submit your application later than a traditional deadline, you may still be considered for admission, granted spots are still available. This can offer flexibility and potentially an extended timeline.

Early Action (EA):

- Early Action is typically a non-binding form of early admission where students apply by a certain date and hear back by a specific date. At Temple University the deadline is November 1st with responses returned by January 10th.

- Doing so allows you to learn of your admission decision much earlier than Regular Decision applicants, which can help with planning.

- Another advantage is the increased chances of acceptance and scholarships, as the applicant pool is generally smaller and resources have yet to be exhausted.

- However, Early Action can have more competitive applicants, as the students applying EA are often highly interested in the institution, and may have stronger academic profiles.

- Because Temple's EA is non-binding, if you're accepted, you're not required to enroll and have until May 1st to make your decision, allowing you time to weigh other college options and financial aid offers before making a final decision.

Considering these points, your decision between EA and rolling admission should take into account your preparedness (i.e., if your application is stronger now or could be improved with more time) and desire for an early response. For instance, if Temple is one of your top choices and you have a strong application ready, Early Action might be a good move. On the other hand, if you need more time to strengthen your application, or if you want to have extra time to consider multiple acceptance offers in the spring, applying through rolling admission may be more beneficial.