With the First Early Decision Deadline Rapidly Approaching

[Algernon Moncrieff]

Early Decision & Early Action

Early decision versus early action

Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding — students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1. Counselors need to make sure that students understand this key distinction between the two plans.

Approximately 450 colleges have early decision or early action plans, and some have both. Some colleges offer a nonbinding option called single-choice early action, under which applicants may not apply ED or EA to any other college.

ED plans have come under fire as unfair to students from families with low incomes, since they do not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers. This may give an unfair advantage to applicants from families who have more financial resources.

Complete article at: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/early

[lunasun]

1. Thanks for posting

[Algernon Moncrieff]

2. If you/your student is applying EA/ED in the next 10 days...

1) Make sure the common app is complete and accurate.
2) If rec letters are needed, ask today! Time is running out.
3) Ensure all necessary essays are at or near completion. If possible, get a teacher to proof them.
4) Have the necessary SAT, ACT, AP scores been sent? If not, go online and have them sent (fees apply)
5) Is a counselor signoff needed? Get it now.
6) Do you need a certified transcript? If so, get it today.