Should I apply early action or early decision?

Hi everyone! I'm a high school junior, and I've been hearing a lot about early action and early decision. What are the differences between the two, and how do I decide which one is right for me? Any advice would be super helpful! Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're already thinking about the college application process. Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) are two different ways to apply to colleges ahead of the regular deadline, and each has its own set of rules and benefits. The main difference between them is that EA is non-binding, while ED is binding. When you apply EA, you'll receive an admissions decision earlier than the regular decision applicants, but you're not obligated to attend the college if you're accepted. On the other hand, ED is a commitment; if you're accepted through ED, you must attend that college and withdraw all your other applications. Deciding between EA and ED depends on your personal situation and preferences. If you have a clear first-choice college and you're sure that's where you want to attend, ED could be a good choice for you. However, if you're still undecided, want to compare financial aid packages, or don't want to commit to a specific college just yet, EA might be the better option. Good luck with your applications!