top of page
FF logo white & purple with empowering (1)_edited.png

Should Your Student Apply Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision? And What the Heck is the Difference?

If you’re new to the college admissions process, you’ve probably come across a confusing alphabet soup of application terms—ED, EA, REA, RD—and wondered if you accidentally signed up for a finance class instead of college planning.

One of the biggest decisions families face is when to apply:

  • Should your student apply early to boost their chances?

  • Is Early Decision (ED) worth it if it’s binding?

  • What’s the difference between Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD)?

Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through what each option means, the pros and cons, and how to decide which is best for your teen.


Breaking Down the Application Options (Without the Jargon Overload)

Let’s start with the key terms:

  • ED (Early Decision) – Binding application. If accepted, your student must attend that college.

  • EA (Early Action) – Non-binding early application. Students get their decisions early but can still choose from other offers.

  • REA (Restrictive Early Action) – Non-binding, but students can only apply early to one private school (with some exceptions). Used by schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.

  • RD (Regular Decision) – Standard application process. Deadlines are usually in January or February, and decisions come out in March or April.

  • SCEA (Single-Choice Early Action) – Another term for Restrictive Early Action (REA). Just a different name to keep parents on their toes.

Now that we have the definitions out of the way, let’s look at the pros and cons of each approach.


Early Decision (ED): High Risk, High Reward

Deadlines: Usually November 1 or November 15

Decisions Released: Mid-December

Binding? Yes


Pros:

Higher Acceptance Rates – Many colleges admit a larger percentage of ED applicants. At some elite schools, ED acceptance rates are double or even triple RD rates.

Less Stress – Getting an acceptance in December means no more waiting (or scrambling) in the spring.

Demonstrated Interest – Colleges love students who show commitment. Applying ED signals that this school is the top choice, which can work in your student’s favor.

Cons:

No Comparing Financial Aid Offers – ED locks students into one school, no negotiating, no shopping around.

No Changing Your Mind – If your student has doubts about their top choice, ED is not the right move.

Not Ideal for Late Bloomers – If your student’s GPA or test scores will improve senior year, RD may be the smarter choice.

Who Should Apply ED? Students who are 100% sure about their top-choice school, and families who are comfortable with the financial commitment.


Early Action (EA): The Best of Both Worlds?

Deadlines: Usually November 1 or November 15

Decisions Released: December to January

Binding? No

Pros:

Early Answers, Less Stress – Students hear back earlier but aren’t locked in.

Better Scholarship Opportunities – Some schools prioritize early applicants for merit aid.

More Time to Compare Offers – Since it’s non-binding, students can still weigh financial aid packages.

Cons:

Not a Major Boost in Acceptance Rates – Unlike ED, EA doesn’t always give students a big admissions advantage.

More Pressure to Be Ready Early – Essays, recommendations, and applications need to be polished by early fall.

Who Should Apply EA? Any student who has their application ready early and wants a less stressful spring. Since it’s non-binding, EA is a low-risk, high-reward option.


Restrictive Early Action (REA/SCEA): For the Ivy League Hopefuls

Deadlines: Usually November 1

Decisions Released: December

Binding? No, but restrictions apply


How It Works:

  • Students can apply early to one private college but can still apply EA to public universities.

  • Used by Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, and Georgetown.

Pros:

Gives an Early Answer Without the Commitment

Slight Admission Advantage at highly selective schools

Cons:

Limits Other Early Applications – If your student is applying REA, they won’t be able to submit ED anywhere else.

No Financial Aid Comparison Until Later

Who Should Apply REA? Students targeting ultra-competitive private universities who want an early answer but don’t want the commitment of ED.


Regular Decision (RD): The Traditional Route

Deadlines: Usually January 1 – February 1

Decisions Released: March – April

Binding? No

Pros:

More Time to Strengthen the Application – Senior year grades, extracurriculars, and test scores all count.

Flexibility – Students aren’t locked in and can compare financial aid offers.

No Restrictions on Where They Apply


Cons:

It’s a Long Wait – The last decisions don’t come out until March or April—which can be nerve-wracking.

Competitive Schools May Have Fewer Spots Left – Some top schools fill a big chunk of their class through ED/EA.

Who Should Apply RD? Students who need more time to build a strong application or want the flexibility to compare all their options.


Which Option Is Best?

Best for students who are 100% sure about their top choice? ➡ Early Decision (ED)


Best for students who want an early answer without commitment? ➡ Early Action (EA)


Best for students applying to top-tier private schools? ➡ Restrictive Early Action (REA/SCEA)


Best for students who need time to improve their application? ➡ Regular Decision (RD)


Final Thoughts: Timing Matters, But Strategy Matters More

Applying early can be a huge advantage, but it only works if it fits your teen’s academic, financial, and personal situation. A rushed application won’t help—no matter when it’s submitted.


🎯 Not sure what strategy makes sense? My course walks families through the entire admissions process—including when and where to apply for the best results.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page