The college application process is a lot, to say the least. With so many deadlines and school-specific requirements for you to track and complete, you’ve probably started wondering, “Wait, exactly what is early action for college?”
One of the best ways to navigate the application process is to have a well-rounded understanding of the different application options. If you’re organized and ready to play, early action could be an excellent choice for those eager to close the chapter on the college admissions era as quickly as possible. If you’re still a little fuzzy on what exactly early action is and how it can help you, read on.
Early action (EA) versus early decision (ED)
There’s a lot of information out there about what early action is. Early action and early decision are often confused, but they’re actually quite different, distinct application options.
Here’s the breakdown of both:
Early action
Early action is an early application deadline option with an earlier due date, so you get a decision from a school’s administration about your acceptance sooner.
Early action is a non-binding option, so you’re not required to attend the school if you get in. This application type provides you with priority consideration for admissions and financial aid. It also keeps your options open so you can apply to other schools and compare financial aid packages before deciding.
Pros of Early Action:
- Non-binding commitment: The biggest pro of early action is the fact that it’s non-binding. You’re not required to commit ahead of time, so if you’re accepted, you can still compare other offers.
- Priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid: When you apply early, you get early consideration for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. The more opportunities you have, the better your chances.
- Earlier decision date: Early action gives you a decision earlier than regular admissions. Extra time can be invaluable for planning based on your options.
- Higher acceptance rates: Many schools have higher acceptance rates for early action applicants. Though this depends on each school’s policy, be sure to check with the schools on your list.
Cons of Early Action:
- Tight deadlines: Early action deadlines typically have no exceptions. You’ll have to act fast! If you want more time for your application, early action might not be the right option for you. Be sure to plan and allow plenty of time to submit all necessary documents.
- Limited retesting opportunities: If you’re not happy with your SAT or ACT scores, you won’t have time to retest. The early action deadline is likely too early to include late test scores.
- GPA considerations: If your current grades are not competitive, early action might not be the right choice. Your final semester grades won’t be part of your application. If you were hoping to have your latest semester grades bolster your GPA, switching to a regular admissions plan might be better.
University of Bridgeport is where opportunities meet support and where futures take shape.
Early Decision
Early decision is binding, making it distinctly different from early application deadline and early action. Applying early decision means you’ll sign a contract with the university through your application, agreeing to attend if accepted.
You cannot apply to other schools or compare your options. The primary benefit of this is that the acceptance rate for early decision is often notably higher, depending on the university. If you know where you want to study, then go for it.
Pros of Early Decision:
- Priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid: Early decision makes you a priority candidate for financial aid and scholarships. It shows the university that they’re your top choice and ready to commit, which can increase your chances of admission.
- Higher acceptance rates: Several of the top-tier universities offer significantly higher acceptance rates for early decision applicants.
- Earlier decision date: Early decision admits are notified of their acceptance before their peers. More time to prepare for college and relax for the rest of your senior year can be a nice break after the stress of applications.
Cons of Early Decision:
- Binding commitment: The biggest pitfall of early decision is the binding contract. If you’re accepted to the school you applied to with early decision, you are legally bound to attend regardless of any other options you may have.
- Inability to compare financial aid: Since early decision is binding, you cannot compare financial aid packages, which can be a risk if you need financial aid to attend.
- Tight deadlines: Early decision has even earlier deadlines than early action. It is typically the first deadline to roll around for college applications. It doesn’t give you time to retest or use your current classes to boost your GPA.
Is early action right for you?
Aiming for an early action application deadline is a great option if you’re already well-prepared for the college application process. If you’ve already written your essays, gathered your recommendations, and have a solid idea of where you want to apply, early action can give you a head start.
Since early action is non-binding, you can apply and still have options. You don’t have to commit ahead of time, but you still get the benefits of priority admission and consideration for financial aid.
Early action could help alleviate some of the anxiety of waiting for admissions decisions. Knowing where you’re going before the end of the school year can give you some breathing room to appreciate your senior year.
Early action applications at University of Bridgeport
University of Bridgeport’s early action application deadline was split into two in favor of applications. By giving students two deadlines, they hope to optimize the opportunities to apply early and increase students’ chances of admission. Here’s a look at the two options:
- Early Action I: December 1 deadline
- Early Action II: February 1 deadline
Applying early through UB’s early action process gives you priority admissions and financial aid consideration. Early action lets you compare financial aid packages and scholarship offers before committing.
Start your journey ahead of the curve
Doing early action applications is an admissions strategy. So, if you’re ready to take the next step, apply early and confidently start your college career.