Should I apply early action or regular decision to Harvard?

I'm a high school senior planning to apply to Harvard, and I'm unsure if I should apply early action or regular decision. Is there an advantage to applying early action, like a higher acceptance rate or improved chances? Or should I take the extra time to make my application stronger for regular decision? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hello! It's great to hear that you are considering applying to Harvard. There are indeed some differences between early action and regular decision, and I will outline them to help you decide which is the best option for you.

Early action at Harvard is non-binding, which means if you are accepted, you are not required to enroll. Applying early action can demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in the school, and sometimes, there might be a slight advantage in acceptance rates. However, it's essential to remember that such an advantage is often small, and talented applicants are considered in both application rounds.

On the other hand, applying regular decision gives you more time to strengthen your application, work on essays, and gather strong letters of recommendation. If you need this extra time to showcase your achievements and present the best version of yourself to the admissions committee, regular decision might be a better choice.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your confidence level in your current application and your personal preferences. If you feel that your application is strong enough, you might consider applying early action. However, if you need extra time to polish your application and strengthen your candidacy, regular decision could be a better fit. Good luck in your application process!