Clair Blog · Admissions ·
Planning Your Early Application Strategy
Early Action. Early Decision. Restrictive Early Action.
The names sound similar, but the rules can be very different and choosing the wrong early application plan can limit where else you can apply.
Here’s what students need to know.
Early Decision (ED): Binding
Early Decision is a commitment.
If you apply ED and are admitted, you agree to attend that college, assuming the financial aid package is acceptable under the school’s policy.
You can generally apply ED to only one college during a given application round. That means you should use ED only if you have a clear first-choice school and are comfortable making a binding commitment. You can, however, typically apply to other colleges through non-binding Early Action programs, provided those colleges' rules allow it.
Early Action (EA): Flexible
Early Action is non-binding.
You apply early, receive an admissions decision earlier, but you are not committed to attend.
One of the biggest advantages? You can generally apply EA to multiple colleges. You can then compare your admission and financial aid offers before making your final decision. For many students, EA offers the benefit of an earlier admissions decision without the commitment of ED.
Restrictive Early Action (REA): Non-Binding, But Restrictive
REA is where things get more complicated.
Like EA, REA is non-binding. If you are admitted, you do not have to attend the school. But, REA comes with restrictions on where else you can apply early. For example, Harvard's REA policy does not allow applicants to apply early to other private colleges, including through ED, EA, or another REA program. Princeton and Yale have similar restrictions on early applications to other private institutions.
That's why REA is sometimes described as a middle ground: Non-binding like EA, but restrictive like a single-choice early program.
So, Can You Apply ED, EA, and REA at the Same Time?
It depends.
For example, a student might be able to apply:
ED to School A
EA to several other schools
But if that student applies REA to School B, the REA school's rules may prevent the ED application, and potentially other private-school EA applications. This is where students can get into trouble.
The restrictions aren't identical at every REA school, so don't assume that one school's rules apply to another.
What about public universities?
This is one of the most important exceptions.
Many REA programs allow students to apply early to public universities, as long as the public school's program is non-binding. For example, Harvard allows REA applicants to apply early to public universities under non-binding programs. Yale and Princeton have similar provisions.
Some REA programs also allow applications to rolling-admission schools.
Again, check the specific school's policy before submitting.
A Simple Way to Think About It
ED:
“I want this school, and I'm willing to commit.”
EA:
“I want an early decision, but I want to keep my options open.”
REA:
“I want an early decision from this school, but I'm willing to accept restrictions on where else I can apply early.”
The Bottom Line
Don't choose an early application strategy based only on the deadline.
Before applying, ask:
1. Is the program binding?
2. Can I apply to other colleges early?
3. Are there restrictions on private colleges?
4. Can I apply early to public universities?
5. Are rolling-admission schools allowed?
And most importantly:
Read the specific college's early-admission rules before you submit.
A few minutes of research can prevent a very expensive application mistake.