Early Action vs. Early Decision: What’s the Difference?

There are several types of college deadlines, but if you’re hoping to hear back from schools as soon as possible, you’ll run into two early routes: early action and early decision. They sound similar, but they work differently — and that difference matters! In this guide, we’ll break down early action vs. early decision by explaining what each one actually means and help you decide which option fits you best.

What is Early Action?

Early action (EA) lets you apply ahead of regular deadlines and hear back earlier (often by winter) without locking yourself in. You can compare offers, visit campuses, and make your financial choice by the national reply date. Many students pick EA because it delivers feedback sooner while keeping options open. Colleges vary in how they run EA, so always read each school’s policy.

Benefits of Early Action

• Flexibility: EA is non-binding, which means you don’t have to attend if accepted, and can compare different schools.
• Time: An early answer gives you months to plan your next steps.

EA is ideal for students who want to apply early, but also want to keep their options open until they make their final decisions.

What is Early Decision?

Early decision (ED) is for students with a clear #1. You apply ED to one college; if admitted and the financial aid is adequate for your family, you must enroll and withdraw all applications to other schools. Some colleges offer ED I (usually due early November) and ED II (often early January) with the same binding commitment but a later timeline.

Benefits of Early Decision 

• Clarity: If you’re absolutely certain where you want to go, ED can wrap your search sooner.
• Signal of Fit: Applying ED demonstrates strong interest and readiness to the admissions office. 

Trade-Offs to Weigh

• Binding Commitment: Limits your ability to compare other schools and aid packages.
• Time Crunch if Denied: Many ED/EA results arrive by mid-December, directly before most regular decision deadlines.  

ED is ideal for students who have done extensive research on their school of choice, and are entirely certain about the college they want to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions 

“Does applying early increase your chances of admission?”

It’s true that early pools show higher admission rates, but that can reflect a very prepared, self-selecting group. Treat EA and ED as a smart timing, not a guarantee. You can always ask each college you’re interested in how they evaluate early vs. regular applicants!

Still curious, and want a deeper drive into admission trends and potential benefits of EA and ED? Check out Collegewise’s expert breakdown of early application deadlines.

“Can you apply EA and ED?”

Usually, yes: While you can only submit one ED application to one school, you may also send other schools EA applications at the same time. However, there is an exception: some schools offer restrictive/single-choice early action (REA/SCEA) — a non-binding plan that limits applications to other schools. Policies differ by college, so check the fine print before you submit your applications.

“How does EDII timing compare to regular application deadlines?”

EDII applications are typically due in early January, usually on the same date as a college’s regular application deadline. However, schools often return EDII decisions in late January or early February, while regular decision results typically arrive from March to April.

“Is it impossible to be released from an ED application?”

No. Under specific conditions, colleges do grant releases in limited, documented cases. Common grounds include:

• Financial Reasons: If the aid award doesn’t make attendance possible after timely aid applications and a review/appeal, schools can release you.
• Program/Campus Mismatch or Deferral: Some colleges note releases when you’re not admitted to the school/program/campus you applied to, or when you’re deferred to a later round.
• Serious Extenuating Circumstances: Admissions offices make exceptions for events like major illness, death in the family, or other unforeseen hardships. In some cases, a deferral of enrollment is offered instead of release. 

Early Application Quick Comparison Chart

Early action and early decision may sound alike, but they’re built for different kinds of applicants. Once you’ve picked the approach that works for you, it’s really about staying organized. Check out our College Application Process Guide to learn more about other application deadlines, the cost to apply to college, and more.