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What are the different types of college applications? Like, early action versus early decision
I'm in high school hoping to go into either a health or law profession after college. I am currently undecided about which university I want to go to and what my major will be. #college #college-applications
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3 answers
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Katherine’s Answer
That's a great question! I found the below information from The Princeton Review super helpful in explaining this:
Early Action vs Early Decision
Most schools allow you to apply early in one of two ways: early decision or early action.
Early decision is binding. This means if you are accepted through early decision, you are committed to attending that school, and will withdraw any applications you may have submitted for the regular deadlines at other schools. You may not apply to more than one college under early decision. If you are not accepted, you will either be rejected or deferred. Rejected applicants may not apply again that year. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered during the regular admission period, and are free to apply to other schools. Early decision deadlines are often in November, and students are typically notified of the decision in December.
Early action is non–binding. This means you are not bound to attend if you are accepted. You may also apply early action to multiple colleges. Early action deadlines usually fall at the same time as early decision. The obvious advantage of early action over early decision is the opportunity it gives you to apply to, and ultimately compare financial aid packages from several schools. If you are accepted early decision, you risk missing the admission deadlines of other schools while you wait for your award package to arrive. If that award is lackluster, your options are fewer.
I remember applying early action to colleges that offered it as an option and it was great. In the end, it allowed me the most time to make an informed decision. Best of luck!
Early Action vs Early Decision
Most schools allow you to apply early in one of two ways: early decision or early action.
Early decision is binding. This means if you are accepted through early decision, you are committed to attending that school, and will withdraw any applications you may have submitted for the regular deadlines at other schools. You may not apply to more than one college under early decision. If you are not accepted, you will either be rejected or deferred. Rejected applicants may not apply again that year. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered during the regular admission period, and are free to apply to other schools. Early decision deadlines are often in November, and students are typically notified of the decision in December.
Early action is non–binding. This means you are not bound to attend if you are accepted. You may also apply early action to multiple colleges. Early action deadlines usually fall at the same time as early decision. The obvious advantage of early action over early decision is the opportunity it gives you to apply to, and ultimately compare financial aid packages from several schools. If you are accepted early decision, you risk missing the admission deadlines of other schools while you wait for your award package to arrive. If that award is lackluster, your options are fewer.
I remember applying early action to colleges that offered it as an option and it was great. In the end, it allowed me the most time to make an informed decision. Best of luck!
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Hi!
There are three types of applications: regular decision, early action, and early decision. Regular decision is usually due in January and you get your results in March-April. This application is good for schools where you want to go to, but aren't fully sure if you can get in due to competitiveness. Early action is a non-binding application between you and the university. Use this application for schools you are confident in your ability to get into and that you can afford. Early decision is a binding agreement between you and the university that promises you will go there. Be aware that many universities who use early decision also are either private and/or very expensive, so unless you are sure that you can get in and afford it, apply EA or RD to the schools.
There are three types of applications: regular decision, early action, and early decision. Regular decision is usually due in January and you get your results in March-April. This application is good for schools where you want to go to, but aren't fully sure if you can get in due to competitiveness. Early action is a non-binding application between you and the university. Use this application for schools you are confident in your ability to get into and that you can afford. Early decision is a binding agreement between you and the university that promises you will go there. Be aware that many universities who use early decision also are either private and/or very expensive, so unless you are sure that you can get in and afford it, apply EA or RD to the schools.
Updated
Shea’s Answer
This is so great that you are thinking about your future and higher education. It may make more sense to try your local community college for your 1st and/or 2nd year in college until you're able to do more research and decide on either major. You'll also have more time to visit local or out-of-state school to confirm which meets your needs and interests best. Not too sure if you've taken any of the online quizzes to help decide. Hope you find this helpful. Enjoy your summer and good luck to you :)