Summary:
Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) are two types of college application plans that allow students to apply and receive admissions decisions earlier than the regular schedule. Both are typically due in November, but they differ in one key way: Early Decision is binding, while Early Action is non-binding.
What Is Early Action?
Early Action is a college application option that allows students to apply early—usually by November 1 or 15—and receive a decision by December or January. Students who apply through EA are not obligated to attend if admitted. They can still apply to other colleges, compare financial aid offers, and make their final decision by the May 1 national deadline.
Some schools offer Restrictive or Single-Choice Early Action, which limits students from applying early to other private institutions but still does not require enrollment if admitted. EA can benefit students who are well-prepared by the start of their senior year and want to show strong interest in a college without committing to attend.
What Is Early Decision?
Early Decision is also an early application option, with similar deadlines and response times—but it is binding. Students who apply ED must sign an agreement stating that if they are admitted, they will withdraw all other applications and attend that school. ED is often used by students who have a clear first-choice college and are ready to commit.
Because ED shows strong interest, it can slightly improve a student’s chances of admission. However, it also means students cannot compare financial aid offers from other schools, which may not be ideal for families who need to evaluate cost.
Some colleges offer a second round of ED called ED II, with a January deadline and February decision—still binding, but later in the process.