The #1 Most Confusing Thing in College Admissions Explained...
As a high school senior, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to apply to college.
Should you go with Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), Restrictive Early Action (REA), or Regular Decision (RD)? Each option has its own advantages and potential drawbacks, and making the right choice could play a major role in your chances of getting into your top schools.
Let’s walk through what these options really mean and how they could impact your college application strategy.
Early Decision (ED): A Huge Commitment
If you’re 100% sure about your top-choice school, Early Decision (ED) might be the way to go. ED is binding, which means if you’re accepted, you have to go. There’s no turning back here. But this commitment can work in your favor, especially at selective schools, where applying ED can give you a better chance of admission.
For example, at Duke University, the ED acceptance rate for the class of 2026 was 21%, compared to just 5% for Regular Decision applicants. That’s a significant difference, and it’s a trend that holds true for other highly selective schools as well. Brown University accepted 15% of its ED applicants in the same cycle, but only 5% of students who applied Regular Decision got in. Colleges tend to fill a large portion of their class through ED, which gives those applicants a leg up.
However, there’s a big downside to consider: ED limits your flexibility, especially when it comes to financial aid. Since you’re committed to attending if accepted, you won’t have the option to compare financial aid offers from different schools. According to U.S. News & World Report, ED applicants often receive less favorable financial aid packages than those who apply RD, simply because schools don’t need to offer as much to secure your spot. So if finances are a concern, that’s something to keep in mind before choosing ED, especially because this admissions path isn’t flexible.
Early Action (EA): Early, But with Flexibility
Early Action (EA) offers many of the same benefits as ED, like getting your application in early and receiving a decision before the winter holidays, but without the binding commitment. If you’re accepted through EA, you still have the freedom to apply to other schools and make your final decision in the spring. This flexibility makes EA a popular choice for students who want an early answer but aren’t ready to lock themselves into one school.
While EA doesn’t always provide the same boost in acceptance rates as ED, it can still offer a slight advantage. For instance, Georgetown University’s Early Action acceptance rate for the class of 2026 was 10.2%, compared to 7% for Regular Decision. Similarly, at the University of Michigan, the EA acceptance rate was 20%, while the RD rate was 17%. The difference may not be as dramatic as ED, but applying early can still help show a school that you’re serious about attending.
Restrictive Early Action (REA): Flexibility Meets Reality
Restrictive Early Action (REA) is a bit of a hybrid between Early Action and Early Decision. Like Early Action, it’s a non-binding option, meaning you don’t have to attend if accepted. However, REA comes with restrictions: you typically can’t apply to other schools under any Early Action or Early Decision plans at the same time, though you can still apply Regular Decision elsewhere. Schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford use REA as a way to attract top candidates who are seriously interested but don’t want the binding commitment of ED.
The acceptance rates for REA are often higher than Regular Decision but not as high as ED. For instance, Harvard University’s REA acceptance rate for the class of 2026 was 7.6%, compared to their Regular Decision rate of just 3.4%. Similarly, Stanford reported a 4.8% REA acceptance rate, while the RD acceptance rate was 3.7%. The benefit of REA is that you get an early decision without the commitment, but the catch is that it limits your ability to apply early to other private schools. If you’re strongly considering a school that offers REA and don’t need the flexibility of applying early elsewhere, this could be a great option for you. However, make sure to understand the restrictions and how they fit into your overall application strategy.
Regular Decision: The Standard Route
Regular Decision (RD) is the most traditional and commonly used application option, with deadlines typically falling in January or February. This is the best choice for students who want more time to perfect their applications, improve test scores, or strengthen their academic record during senior year. However, because most applicants apply through RD, this option also tends to be the most competitive. Take Harvard University, for example. For the class of 2023, the RD acceptance rate was just 3.4%, while their Early Action rate was nearly twice that at 7.6%. Stanford University reported similarly tough odds for RD applicants in 2022, with a 3.7% acceptance rate. While RD gives you more time, it also means competing with a larger pool of applicants for fewer spots.
On the upside, applying RD allows you to compare financial aid packages and keep your options open, which can be a huge advantage. According to a report from The Chronicle of Higher Education, RD applicants often receive more competitive financial aid offers because colleges know they’re still deciding where to enroll. If cost is a major factor in your decision, applying RD might give you the leverage to secure better financial aid.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Deciding between ED, EA, and RD really comes down to your individual situation. If you have a clear top-choice school and feel confident that you can afford it without needing to compare financial aid offers, ED could give you the best shot at getting in. However, if you’re not ready to commit but still want to show a school you’re serious, EA is a great option, especially since it offers a lot of flexibility without locking you into one school.
On the other hand, if you’re still weighing your options, need more time to polish your application, or want to see what kind of financial aid packages you can get, Regular Decision is likely the way to go. Just remember that the RD pool is more competitive, so make sure your application is as strong as possible.
Conclusion: Weighing Your Options
In the end, the choice between ED, EA, and RD is personal. Each option has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice for you will depend on your goals, your financial situation, and how prepared you feel for the application process. Whether you’re hoping to lock in a spot at your dream school through ED, test the waters with EA, or take your time with RD, understanding the implications of each option will help you navigate the admissions process with confidence.
Best,
Joshua S.R.
Founder
75 Percent Chance