US University Application: What are ED (Early Decision) and EA (Early Action)?
Summer vacation is over, and most American universities have opened applications for 2025 admissions on August 1. Students who are promoted to G12 (high school senior) this year should have already entered the application preparation stage, including writing application documents, finding teachers to write letters of recommendation, sorting out extracurricular activity experiences and making choicesof schools to apply for, etc.
When applying, students can choose according to the application Rounds provided by the university:
- ED (Early Decision)
- EA (Early Action)
- RD (Regular Decision)
Among them, ED and EA are early bird applications. The deadline is usually November 1 or November 15, and the application results are announced between mid-December and early February.
Further reading:Plan ahead to avoid panic! The most complete U.S. undergraduate application process
➤ What is "ED"?
Each student can only apply to one ED school, if admitted, you must attend the school unconditionally. The associate dean of admissions at Pomona College recommends: "Before applying for ED, you need to really like this school and believe that it can bring you a happy learning experience and the course content you are looking forward to. Although you have not officially enrolled yet, But at least you have to have hopes and expectations for this school.”
Some schools also offer ED II, and the application deadline is usually January. If the student fails to gain admission in ED I, the student can apply to another school of choice in ED II.
Applying through ED gives you a greater chance of being admitted to the school of your choice, and it also allows the school to understand your wishes earlier. However, it should be noted that once you apply for ED admission, you must give up applying to other universities. Therefore, please be sure to think and prepare thoroughly before submitting your ED application. likeI don’t know the ED application process of my ideal university.Welcome to contact AEI admission counselor.
➤ What is "EA"?
EA is also an early bird application.Students can apply to multiple EA schools, and choose whether to enroll after admission. In addition, some schools provide REA (Restrictive Early Action), which has certain restrictions on applying for ED or EA at the same time.
➤ Summary
Applying for ED or EA can not onlyKnow the admission results earlier,Early bird application usuallyThe chances of admission are also higher, especially ED. Dartmouth College stated that they admitted 17% early bird applicants for the class of 2028. There are many factors to consider when choosing a school. The associate dean of admissions at Reed College said, "Even if you don't choose ED or EA, RD is a good choice. Students' minds may change, and we don't want students to feel discouraged and feel that RD admission is difficult. They should apply to the one they really want to go to. The school, no matter when they are admitted, is the decision that is right for them.”
🔹Article reference source:US News
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