How important is the Early Action deadline?

What's the deal with the early action (EA) deadline? Is it extremely important to apply early action if the college of my choice offers it? How much of an advantage would it give me? Putting a slight rush on my college apps right now, so thanks in advance for any input!

Applying Early Action can indeed be a strategic move in the college admissions process. While some students apply regular decision to give themselves more time to improve their applications, if you're ready and satisfied with your application material right now, it could be beneficial to hit the EA deadlines.

Firstly, applying Early Action enables you to receive a decision substantially earlier. Typically, EA decisions are released in mid-December, whereas regular decision applicants typically have to wait until late March or April. Having this early information can help you plan your actions for the remainder of the application cycle.

Secondly, it often shows demonstrated interest. While not all colleges factor demonstrated interest into their admissions decisions, some definitely do, and applying EA can be a strong way of showing that interest.

Additionally, the acceptance rates for Early Action can be higher than regular decision. This does not necessarily mean it's easier to get in Early Action, as the pool of EA applicants can be more competitive. However, on average applying ED or EA can result in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your odds of getting into a selective school, although the actual benefit can vary quite a bit from one institution to another.

But keep in mind, applying Early Action should not come at the expense of the quality of your application. You'd still want to ensure that you're presenting your strongest possible application, so if rushing means sacrificing quality, it might be best to wait and apply regular decision. Balance out the benefits with your readiness, and good luck with your applications!