Hey everyone! I have my eyes set on a few schools, and I want to apply early but I'm unsure whether to choose Early Decision or Early Action. Can someone help me understand the differences and pros and cons of each, and which one would be better for my situation? My current top choice is Duke, but I'm also really interested in other T20 schools. I'm majoring in Chemistry. Thanks in advance!
Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about applying early to colleges. Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) both have their advantages and disadvantages, so let's break them down.
Early Decision is binding, meaning if you're accepted, you're committed to attend that school and must withdraw other applications. This option is typically best if you're 100% certain that a school (like Duke) is your top choice. The advantage is that ED acceptance rates are generally higher than regular decision, indicating that colleges favor students who commit to them.
Early Action, on the other hand, is non-binding. You can apply to multiple schools EA, and even if you're accepted, you're not obligated to attend any of them. You'll have until May 1st to decide. This allows you to weigh your options and compare financial aid packages from different schools.
Given your interest in multiple T20 schools and majoring in Chemistry, you may find that EA offers you more flexibility. However, if Duke is your absolute top choice and you're willing to commit, ED could be the better option. Good luck!
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