What to Know About Early University Applications

Imagine it’s December of your senior year, and you already know what college or university you will attend in the fall. For students who take advantage of early applications, acceptance notification can come that soon! Deadlines for early application are, naturally, much earlier than regular decision deadlines. The factors below can help you decide if applying early is right for you or your student.

More than 450 universities offer early decision or early action plans to students who are willing to commit to or have a firm interest in a school. The most important aspect of the process is understanding the difference between the two types of applications.

Early Decision

Early decision applications are a good choice for students who do not need to compare different schools and are ready to commit to their top choice. Students who apply are required to attend that school if they are accepted (and the financial aid package meets their family’s needs) and will usually receive notification of their application status in December. Because the application is binding, students should only apply for one school via early decision.

Early Action

Early action applications are a good choice for students if they are ready to submit their application materials by the fall, however they aren’t ready to commit to one particular school. Applying early action is a non-binding decision, and the student can elect to attend a different university even after they are accepted. Students who apply for an early action decision can expect an answer in January or sometimes as late as February.

Not all universities offer both early decision and early action. Some choose to offer only one form of early application. Check directly with the potential school’s website or admissions counselor for the most accurate information.

What Are the Benefits of Applying Early?

Benefits of applying early include less stress by not having to wait as long for a decision and saved time and expenses of submitting multiple applications. Students also have more time to prepare for college or reassess their options if they’re not accepted.

When considering applying early, students also will need to research if or how their potential schools have adjusted their standardized testing policies as part of their admissions requirements. Some schools no longer require ACT or SAT scores, meaning grades, personal essays, and extracurriculars could weigh more heavily in the admissions decision process.

Who Should Not Apply Early?

Students want to clearly qualify for their desired university with grades, class strength, SAT or ACT exam scores, and extracurricular activities. If a student doesn’t have a strong record of academic achievements, early application would not make sense. Another year of improved performance can make the difference between an acceptance letter or a rejection.

Also, a student needs to be sure that they really want to attend their early application school. A thorough university search will inform students and help them identify their school of choice. Visiting a school in person, if possible, can give even greater insight into whether the school is a good fit. If students are still searching for a school that would be a perfect fit, then early applications may not make sense.

Finally, students who want to seek out the best financial aid package would likely benefit from a more competitive college search. Weighing different aid packages can make all the difference in the world when it comes to future financial liabilities. Early decision schools, by nature of the application, do not allow students to compare financial aid awards, while early action schools may provide more flexibility.

With these caveats in mind, if a student feels certain about their school of choice, has a strong academic and personal background for their application, and can afford a little leeway with their financial aid package, then early application is a great choice. In a world full of uncertainties, arriving at a decision regarding plans post-high school can provide students a feeling of security and stability. Early decision and early action applications usually are due in November, so make sure your students are getting their applications ready!

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This article is a revised version of from a previous Envision by WorldStrides publication from 2020.