College Applications: Early Action or Regular Decision?

College applications are the core of senior year, the looming event in everyone’s minds. The importance of extracurricular activities, grades, sports, etc – comes down to this moment. The process starts with college essay writing, requesting letters of recommendation, college visits, and more. There are many vital factors to consider when completing these applications, such as the amenities of colleges, their programs, atmosphere, and weather conditions – you get the point.

However, there is one essential factor that many decide on in the summer or even years ahead: the time of their decision.

Universities offer many deadlines for submitting applications, whether through early decisions, early action, regular decisions, or rolling admissions. Each is subject to a specific deadline within the year, and students must submit their applications before this date, or they will have to wait for the next round of applications to open. The choice depends on the student’s preference, as it is sent when they feel confident in their application.

Early decision is binding to a particular college, most likely a student’s dream college or one with a desirable program. Once the student is accepted into the school, they must retract their previous applications and commit to the school. Similarly, early action is another option for students that is also placed around the beginning of the school year, around November. Although it is not a binding decision, it still allows students prepared with their college materials to submit their applications early and hear back earlier.

This gives students more time to choose the right college and is more flexible with some people’s lives. Senior Eavan Lu comments, “If you’re ready with your college applications, go for early application—if you’re not, then don’t.” Getting a head start on the process can benefit some students and is an option for most colleges.

The other two options are regular decision and rolling admissions; regular decision is where most high schoolers decide, sending in their application in January to March, depending on the college. Rolling admissions is the time for last-minute applications when students can send them in as soon as their ready, the deadline usually has a much later date, and review applications as they come in. These are good options if you are waiting for the SAT/ACT or want extra hours/activities.

Taking the time to build your resume and hone the aspects of your application is equally as important as sending them in at a specific time, so this is also a good option for students. Senior Robinpreet Kaur said, “Regular decision is better, in my opinion, as it allows more time for students to fill out their application.”

Both options are good for students, depending on their preferences. I am combining both options, but I mostly lean towards early action. Good luck to all the seniors applying!