What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Can you explain the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?

Hi there! I'm a junior and I've started looking into college application timelines. I've heard of Early Decision and Early Action, but I'm not exactly sure what the differences are. Could someone please explain how they work and which one might be better for me? Thank you!

11 months ago

Hello! It's great that you're starting to look into college applications early. I'll be happy to help clarify the differences between Early Decision and Early Action.

Early Decision (ED) is a binding agreement, meaning if you're accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw all other applications. It's best for students who have a clear top choice and are confident about their chances of being accepted. Remember, you can only apply to one college under ED.

Early Action (EA) is non-binding, so you can still apply to other colleges and are not required to commit if accepted. This gives you more flexibility and time to compare financial aid offers from different schools. It's a great option for students who want to demonstrate their interest in a college but are still exploring other options.

Think about which option aligns with your college goals and preferences. Best of luck with your applications!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.