Public and Private EA/ED

Applying to College
1

I’m aware that each school’s policy differs, but for the general lot of colleges, are you allowed to apply EA at two schools as long as they are of two different classifications (public and private)

For example: would I be allowed to apply to EA at Cornell and Georgia Tech?

2

Cornell doesn’t have EA, just ED. I believe you may apply to both, but Cornell’s would be binding (ED).

3

It really does depend, and it’s not as simple as you’ve described.

Check out this article for a detailed explanation:
https://www.college-kickstart.com/blog/item/the-early-admission-advantage

Long story short, you need to distinguish between the different types of early admission:

  • Early decision (ED)(binding commitment)
  • Early action (EA)(non-binding commitment)
  • Restrictive or Single Choice early action (REA/SCEA)(non-binding but limits where else you can apply)

What you can/cannot do is primarily driven by the type of early admission plan offered:

  • You cannot apply to more than one Early Decision program simultaneously
  • You can apply to one ED and multiple EA programs simultaneously, but if you are admitted to the ED school you must withdraw all of your EA applications immediately unless there’s a problem with financial aid
  • You can apply to multiple EA schools simultaneously
  • REA/SCEA schools typically limit you to applying early action to their school only. ED isn’t allowed, nor is EA to other private institutions. Schools definitely vary in their policies.

With respect to Cornell and Georgia Tech, you can apply ED to Cornell (binding) and EA to Georgia Tech (non-binding). But if you are admitted to Cornell, you’re obligated to attend (short of a financial aid issue) must immediately withdraw all other applications including Ga Tech.

4

@cbound88 that was literally the most helpful response I’ve ever received on this site, thank you!