Should I apply early action or early decision to my top-choice college?

Hello everyone, I'm a junior and I've recently found my top-choice college. I know that applying early can increase my chances of getting in, but I'm not sure whether I should apply early action or early decision. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! It's great to hear that you've found your top-choice college. Deciding between early action and early decision can be a bit confusing, so let me break down the main differences and pros and cons for you. Early Action (EA) is non-binding, which means that if you're accepted, you're not required to attend the college. This allows you to compare financial aid offers and make the best decision for you. Early Decision (ED) is binding, so if you're accepted, you're expected to attend that college and withdraw all other applications. The main benefit of ED is that it can significantly increase your chances of being admitted, since colleges appreciate the commitment. The downside is that you lose the ability to compare financial aid offers from other schools. In short, if you're absolutely sure that your top-choice college is the perfect fit and you're comfortable with the financial implications, applying ED might be a sound choice. If you want more flexibility and the ability to compare offers, EA is the way to go. Best of luck with your application process!