Every fall, high school students across Texas who are looking to apply to college face a big decision: Do they apply early action, early decision, or regular decision? In this blog, TxCAN will explore the key differences between each option to help you and your students make an informed decision.

What is Early Action? 

Early Action (EA) is a type of admission process used by many colleges and universities in the United States. It allows prospective students to apply to the institution before the regular admission deadline, typically in the fall of their senior year of high school. The key characteristic of Early Action is that it’s non-binding, which means that students who apply through this process are not obligated to attend the college they applied ‘early action’ to if they are accepted.

Applying Early Action can demonstrate a student’s strong interest in a particular college and may slightly increase their chances of being admitted. It’s also a good option for students who want to receive admissions decisions early without being locked into attending a specific institution. It’s important to note that the specifics of Early Action can vary from one college to another, so students should carefully review each institution’s policies and deadlines. Additionally, while Early Action can provide some advantages, students should make sure they are fully prepared to submit their best application by the earlier deadline.

Here are some important points about Early Action in college admissions: 

If your Early Action application is deferred, it means the college has decided to postpone making a final decision on your application until the regular decision round. 

What is Early Decision? 

Early Decision (ED) is another type of college admissions process commonly used in the United States. Like Early Action, Early Decision allows students to apply to colleges before the regular admission deadline, typically in the fall of their senior year of high school. However, the key distinction with Early Decision is that it is a binding commitment. If a student is accepted through Early Decision, they are expected to attend that particular college and withdraw their applications from other colleges. At times students can back out of early decision offers due to an insufficient financial aid package or family crisis.  

Applying through Early Decision can demonstrate a student’s strong interest in a particular college. Colleges often view Early Decision applicants favorably because they are more likely to enroll if accepted. This process is best suited for students who are certain about their top-choice college and have thoroughly researched the institution and its offerings.

Here are some important points about Early Decision in college admissions: 

If your Early Decision application is deferred, it means the college has decided to postpone making a final decision on your application until the regular decision round.  

What is Regular Decision? 

Regular Decision is the standard college admissions process used by many colleges and universities in the United States. It is the traditional application pathway where students submit their applications by a specified deadline, usually in January or February of their senior year of high school. Admissions decisions for regular decision applicants are typically released in March or April. Applying through Regular Decision provides students with more time to research and finalize their college choices. It’s a good option for students who want to explore multiple colleges and have flexibility in their decision-making process.

Some colleges may consider regular decision applicants for merit-based scholarships, though scholarship availability can vary. Students should review each college’s policies to understand their chances of receiving scholarships through this process.

Here are some key points about the Regular Decision process in college admissions: 

If a student is not immediately accepted or rejected through the Regular Decision process, they may be placed on a waitlist. This means that the college is interested in admitting the student but is waiting to see how many admitted students actually enroll before making a final decision. 

In the journey of college admissions, the decision of whether to apply through Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision is a significant one, shaping the path to your future education. Early Action offers the advantage of an early response without a binding commitment, allowing you to keep your options open. Early Decision carries the weight of commitment, demonstrating your dedication to a top-choice school. Regular Decision provides flexibility, enabling you to thoroughly explore your options. As students contemplate these options, consider students preferences, priorities, and the unique policies of each institution. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; students’ decision should align with their aspirations, readiness, and the colleges that resonate most with their academic and personal goals. Whichever path they choose, it’s a step towards an exciting chapter that lies ahead for them.