Early decision/action

[jds3]

Hi,
Can smeone help me to clearfy the concept about those terms?
I heard that:
Early Decision is Binding-- means you can't apply more than one school for ED
Early Action is not Binding -- means you can apply more than one schools for EA. But can you apply one as ED and a few other for EA?

There are also more called Single choice early action/early action restricted. Are they the same? to my knowledge they are the same as ED. right?

Correct me if I am wrong, the better strategy would be:
apply one most reach school as ED.
Plus
apply a few other second reach school as EA

Thanks

[jmmom]

There are probably a haf a jillion threads on this, so please search.

There is no RIGHT answer on strategy; there are many different perspectives.

Also, the rules for ED/SCEA vary school by school. You simply have to look at the rules for each particular school you are considering and follow them carefully.

[gadad]

Early Decision is Binding - correct
Early Action is not Binding - correct
Can you apply one as ED and a few other for EA? - nope, only one for ED
Single choice early action - apply to only one, non-binding

[vballmom]

Can you apply one as ED and a few other for EA? - nope, only one for ED

Oh? I was under the impression that a student could apply to an ED college, and simultaneously apply EA to one or more other colleges. The EA colleges I have in mind don't offer ED, only EA. Anyone else care to weigh in on this?

[NewHope33]

I think what GaDad meant was that an ED acceptance negates any EA applications. Of course one can do one ED and several EA applications, but if the ED is "yes" then all the EA applications become moot.

[mamabear1234]

Some EA schools (Georgetown is one) says you cannot apply anywhere else ED if you apply there EA. You are free to apply to other non-binding EA programs. See the post above that states you must look at each school on an individual basis for rules.

[vballmom]

Thanks for the clarification. I've looked at all the websites of colleges that my son is interested in and didn't see anything about restrictions on EA applications, thus my confusion. I didn't realize other colleges had these restrictions, outside of the few SCEA ones.

[jds3]

Thanks all for the response.

I think what GaDad meant was that an ED acceptance negates any EA applications. Of course one can do one ED and several EA applications, but if the ED is "yes" then all the EA applications become moot.

Is what I was confusing about.
Godad,

Can you apply one as ED and a few other for EA? - nope, only one for ED.

do you agree with Newhope33?

How can I confirm that?

[jmmom]

Is what I was confusing about.
Godad,

Quote:
Can you apply one as ED and a few other for EA? - nope, only one for ED.

do you agree with Newhope33?

How can I confirm that?

There is NOT a general answer. You have to go the school where you intend to apply ED. Then check *that school's* rules, and no other school's. Check them carefully, reading all of the fine print.

That is the only way to get an answer.

[entomom]

While there is some variability in applying ED to one school and EA to others (it depends on the policy of the school as jmmom states), whenever a student is accepted ED, they must withdrawal all applications to other schools--that's the definition of ED.

If you want confirmation, Google "Early Decision Statement", you will see that schools require you to sign a statement promising to cease application to all other schools if accepted.

[jds3]

Thanks jmmom
I am most conrerning about a few ivy league schools( like Upen, harvard, comlumbia as well as others like stanford, mit, northwest and Chicago)
Do you have any info to share about those schools?
Thx

[jds3]

[quote]whenever a student is accepted ED, they must withdrawal all applications to other schools[quote]
yes, this is what I am looking for.
I am googling btw
Thx

[entomom]

jds3,
As a new user, I recommend you:

1. Use the Search function, particularly for basic questions that have been asked and answered frequently.
2. Visit the CC sub-forums for the schools that you're interested in.
3. Most importantly, go directly to the school websites to get information about things such as early application policies. That way, you will be sure the information is correct and up-to-date.

Good luck!

[jmmom]

Do you have any info to share about those schools?

No. Because you most assuredly do not want to take your information on any of those schools from some stranger on this website.

We might get it wrong.
It might change from the time we post to the time you need to act.

I will repeat: you need to go to the web site of each individual school you are considering, and follow their own rules.

[sybbie719]

Harvard has eliminated all Early programs so you can only apply to them RD

Penn & Columbia have binding ED (you can apply to EA schools with the exception of policies like Georgetown)

remember to read the Joint Statement on Common Ivy Group Admissions Procedures. Specifically

Financial aid awards for those
qualifying for financial assistance will normally be announced in full
detail at the same time as the admission decisions. An applicant
receiving admission and an adequate financial award under the Early
Decision Plan will be required to accept that offer of admission and
withdraw all applications to other colleges or universities.
All the Ivy institutions will honor any required commitment to
matriculate which has been made to another college under this plan.

http://www.princeton.edu/admission/pdfs/0708_ivy.pdf

It is the school not you or your family that determines what is adequate FA. On this note, talk to your parents about what they will realistically pay or borrow for your education. If there is a remote possibility that money is going to be an issue (if someone says they are not going to pay more than $X believe it) do not apply ED.

Chicago- Early Action (you can apply to other schools ED, if they permit and other EA schools. You cannot apply to SCEA schools)