How do I decide between Early Decision and Early Action?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about applying to colleges. I'm considering applying early, but I'm not sure if I should choose Early Decision or Early Action. Can anyone explain the differences and help me decide? Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're already thinking about college applications. Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) both have their advantages, so let me explain the differences and offer some guidance on how to choose between them. Early Decision is a binding agreement, which means if you're accepted, you're committed to attending that college. You can only apply to one school through ED, and you'll need to withdraw any other applications if you're accepted. This option is best if you have a clear top-choice school and are confident that you'd be happy attending it. Keep in mind that since it's binding, you won't be able to compare financial aid packages from other schools. Early Action, on the other hand, is non-binding, allowing you to apply to multiple schools early and receive decisions before the regular decision deadline. This can be a great option if you want to get a head start on the process and have the flexibility to consider other schools and financial aid offers. To decide which is right for you, think about whether you have a clear top choice and if you're comfortable with the binding nature of ED. If you're not entirely sure, or if you want to keep your options open, EA might be a better choice. Good luck with your applications!