College applications can feel like a giant maze, and choosing between Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) is one of the biggest choices along the way. Maybe you’ve heard that applying early can boost acceptance chances, or you’re wondering if keeping options open is better. Either way, this decision can greatly impact the college experience and financial aid opportunities.
This blog covers everything you need to make the best choice. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which path fits your college goals best.
- What’s the Difference between Early Decision and Regular Decision?
- Other Decision Plans
- Does Applying Early Improve Your Chances?
- Decision Plans for Top Colleges
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What’s the Difference between Early Decision and Regular Decision?
When you apply to college, you have several options for when and how you submit your application. Two of the biggest choices are Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD).
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision (ED) is a college application process where you apply to one school early—usually by November—and promise to attend if you get accepted. It’s like telling a college, “You’re my top choice, and if you take me, I’m in.”
The big perk? You find out whether you got in by December, way before the Regular Decision deadlines. But the catch is that it’s binding, meaning you have to go unless there’s a serious financial reason you can’t. You also can’t apply to other ED plans at other schools, since you’re making a commitment to just one.
It’s a great option if you’re 100% sure about a school and don’t want to stress through the whole application season. But if you’re still deciding between a few places or need to compare financial aid offers, ED might not be the best move.
Some schools also have Early Action (EA), which is similar but not binding—so you get the early response without the commitment.
What is Regular Decision?
Regular Decision (RD) is the standard way most students apply to college. You submit your applications by a set deadline—usually in January—and then play the waiting game until March or April when schools send out their decisions.
Unlike Early Decision, RD isn’t binding, so you can apply to as many schools as you want and take your time deciding where to go.
RD is a solid choice if you need more time to work on your applications, boost your grades, or compare financial aid offers before committing. Plus, you get the flexibility to weigh all your options instead of locking yourself into one school early on.
The downside? The competition can be tougher since more students apply through RD, and the wait can feel endless.
Which one is right for you?
It depends on how sure you are about your top-choice school. If you have a dream school and you’re 100% committed to going there no matter what, Early Decision might be the way to go—it can boost your chances of getting in, and you’ll find out early. But remember, it’s binding, so you won’t have the flexibility to compare other offers.
If you’re still weighing your options, need more time to perfect your application, or want to compare financial aid, Regular Decision is the safer bet. You can apply to multiple schools, keep your choices open, and make the best decision once you have all the acceptances in hand.
The bottom line is that if you’re absolutely certain, go for ED; if not, RD gives you more control.
Other Decision Plans
When applying to college, Early Decision and Regular Decision aren’t the only options. You can send in your applications a couple of more ways: through Early Action (EA) or Rolling Admissions (RA). These options give you flexibility depending on what you’re looking for in the application process.
What is Early Action?
Early Action (EA) is like Early Decision. You apply early (usually by November) and hear back sooner, often by December or January.
But here’s the key difference: EA is not binding. You get to know where you stand with a college early on but don’t have to commit immediately. You can still apply to other schools and wait for their offers before making your final choice.
Some schools offer Restrictive Early Action (REA) or Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA), which means you can only apply early to that one school. You’re still not locked in if you get accepted, but you’re limited in applying early elsewhere. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale have this type of policy.
EA is a great option if you want to show interest in a school but keep your options open. It also gives you some peace of mind by getting decisions back sooner.
What is Rolling Admissions?
Rolling Admissions (RA) is the most flexible option. Instead of one set deadline, schools with Rolling Admissions review applications as they come in, usually from early fall into the spring (sometimes even summer). The earlier you apply, the sooner you get a response, sometimes within just a few weeks!
RA is awesome if you want to get some decisions back early without worrying about strict deadlines. But keep in mind, spots can fill up as time goes on, so applying earlier in the cycle gives you a better shot at admission and financial aid.
If you like flexibility and want to spread out your applications, RA can be a great strategy to incorporate into your other applications.
Does Applying Early Improve Your Chances?
You’ve probably heard that applying early can give you a better shot at getting into your dream school. Well, it’s true!
Colleges generally admit a higher percentage of students through Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) compared to Regular Decision (RD). Why? Because when you apply early, you’re showing a college that you’re serious about attending, and schools love all-in students.
Admissions offices also have more spots to fill in the early rounds, so they can afford to be a little more generous. By the time RD rolls around, competition is tougher because there are fewer open seats and way more applicants.
Check out this comparison of early vs. regular acceptance rates at top schools:
| School | EA/ED Acceptance Rate | RD Acceptance Rate |
| Harvard University | 8.7% | 2.7% |
| Yale University | 9% | 3.1% |
| Princeton University | 15.8% | 3.7% |
| Stanford University | 8.2% | 3.4% |
| Columbia University | 11.9% | 2.95% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 14.9% | 4.4% |
| Dartmouth College | 17.1% | 3.8% |
| Brown University | 14.4% | 3.9% |
| Cornell University | 16.7% | 6.2% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 5.3% | 3.9% |
| University of Chicago | Generally higher than regular and overall rates | Generally lower than early and overall rates |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | <5% | <5% |
See the difference? The early acceptance rates are generally way higher! However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Early applicants are usually super strong students, but if you’re confident in your application, applying early could definitely boost your chances.
Decision Plans for Top Colleges
Different colleges offer different decision plans, and knowing what’s available can help you decide how and when to apply.
Some schools have Restrictive Early Action (REA), which limits where else you can apply early, while others offer Early Decision (ED I & ED II), which is binding. Then there’s Regular Decision (RD), the standard option with more flexibility.
Here’s a breakdown of decision plans for Ivy League schools and other top colleges:
Some schools have multiple options, which gives you more flexibility depending on your commitment to attending. If your dream school offers Early Decision, applying early can increase your chances but only if you’re 100% sure you want to go. If you need more time or want to compare options, Regular Decision might be better.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you apply Early Decision and Early Action?
In most cases, yes. You can apply to both Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) but with some restrictions. Since ED is binding, you can only apply to one school under ED. However, you can still apply to other schools under non-restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision simultaneously.
The exception is Restrictive/Single-Choice Early Action (REA/SCEA), which some top schools (like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale) have. REA limits you from applying to other private schools’ Early Action or Early Decision plans. Always check each school’s specific policies to ensure you follow the rules!
2. When do you get Early Action results?
If you apply Early Action (EA), you’ll typically get your decision in mid-December, months before Regular Decision applicants. That means less stress and more time to plan your next move.
3. Can you back out of Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning if you get in, you’re expected to attend. The only real way out is if your financial aid package isn’t enough to make it work. Colleges don’t want to put you in a bad financial spot, so they’ll usually let you go if money is the issue. That’s why it’s crucial to be absolutely certain before applying ED.
4. What’s the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?
Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) let you apply early and get your results sooner, but commitment is the big difference. ED is binding, meaning if you get in, you must go (unless your financial aid doesn’t work out). EA, on the other hand, is non-binding, so you can still apply to other schools and take your time deciding.
Some schools even have Restrictive Early Action (REA), which limits you from applying early to other private schools but isn’t binding like ED. ED might be the move if you want to lock in your dream school and don’t need to compare offers. But if you just want an early answer while keeping your options open, EA is the way to go.
5. Is Early Action binding?
Nope! Early Action (EA) lets you apply early and get your decision sooner, but you’re not locked in. You can still apply to other schools and take your time deciding. Some schools offer Restrictive Early Action (REA), which limits you from applying early to other private schools, but even then, you’re not required to commit if you get in.
Takeaways
- Early Decision is a binding application option where you commit to attending a school if accepted.
- Regular Decision is a non-binding option that lets you apply to multiple schools and decide later.
- If you’re 100% set on your dream school, Early Decision can boost your chances, but if you want flexibility to compare options or improve your application, Regular Decision is the better choice.
- Most top colleges accept more Early Decision and Early Action applicants than Regular Decision applicants.
- If you want expert guidance to boost your college application strategy, AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program can help you craft a standout application and choose the best admission plan for your goals!
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