Rising high school seniors are already pretty deep into the college search process. The 2015-16 Common Application will be available on August 1 (and you can create your Common App account online here.).
Once students have decided on a few 'dream schools', the question of applying early decision and early action come to mind.
"Many colleges allow applicants to submit their materials for an early deadline (sometime in the fall) that falls before the regular deadline (usually sometime in January or February)," The Princeton Review explains.
According to The Princeton Review, there are two advantages to applying early.
1. Applying early lets your favorite school (or schools) know that you are serious about attending. Schools track how many applicants accept their offers of admission and release those numbers to the public. A school looks good when a high percentage of accepted applicants chose to attend. So if they think you're likely to accept their offer of admission, it may give your application a leg up.
2. If you are accepted to your dream school, you won't have to bother with the time and expense of applying elsewhere. You can put your focus back on right now instead of one year from now.
There is a (potential) disadvantage to applying early, however. You may not have the opportunity to compare financial aid packages offered by other schools.
Early decision is binding. This means if you are accepted through early decision, you must commit to attend that school. Early action is non–binding. This means you are not bound to attend if you are accepted.
Princeton Review's Advice
Unless money is not an issue for you and your family, you should not apply early decision. Early action leaves you with the most options.
Read more about applying to college on Princeton Review's blog here.
The Princeton Review has offices conveniently located in Westport, CT. and Scarsdale, NY. For more information on The Princeton Review's services for students, contact The Princeton Review's Westport, CT office at 1246 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880, (888) 759-7737 or Princeton Review's Scarsdale, NY office at 1075 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
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