Decoding EA Colleges

Hey folks, I've been hearing a lot about EA (early action) colleges, and I'm not quite sure I get it. Could someone explain what this means and what the pros and cons are of applying EA?

Sure, I'd be happy to explain!

Early Action (EA) is an application process that goes hand in hand with a school's regular application deadline. When you apply EA, you're sending in your application earlier, usually by November. One key feature of the EA process is that it's non-binding, meaning you don't have to commit to attend if you're accepted, unlike Early Decision (ED) applications.

Let's look at some pros of applying EA:

1. Early Notifications: You typically hear back from EA schools by December or January, so you get to know your admission status quite early. This can alleviate some stress and help to plan your approach to regular decision applications if required.

2. Improved Chances: Statistics have shown that acceptance rates are generally higher for early applicants. This doesn't necessarily mean it's easier to get in early, as the early applicant pool can be competitive. However, being well-prepared and applying early can demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm towards the college.

3. Flexibility: Unlike ED, EA doesn't bind you to the school, so you have the opportunity to compare admissions offers, financial aid packages, and visit the schools before you decide.

Now for the cons:

1. Less Time to Improve Your Application: Applying early means you have less time to add accomplishments to your application, improve your test scores, or work extensively on your essays.

2. Submitting Financial Aid Documents Early: Some EA colleges require you to submit financial aid documents, like the FAFSA and CSS Profile, around the same time you submit your application. This could be demanding in terms of gathering documents and filing these forms.

3. Rushed Decisions: The EA deadline arrives fast, and this could lead to rushed decisions about where you want to apply early. You might decide on a different top choice or regret applying early somewhere instead of focusing more on your Regular Decision schools.

In general, it would be beneficial to apply EA to colleges if you have a strong application ready by the early deadline and you're particularly interested in those schools. But remember, it's crucial to submit the best application you can, so if you need the extra time, it might be better to aim for the regular deadline instead.

Let me know if you have any more questions!