Early Decision and Early Action are two very separate and different programs designed by the universities to attract top students to their programs early in the admission process.

Early Decision -- Requires a commitment on the part of both the applicant and the college. Universities state that you may only apply to one Early Decision program and if you are admitted you are obligated to enroll. When admitted, you will be asked to withdraw any other college applications you have submitted.

Early Action -- This program will offer you an early admission but you are not obligated to enroll. You may apply to as many Early Action programs you would like.

Single Choice Early Action -- Harvard University, Stanford University and Yale are three universities that offer this policy. Single-Choice Early Action at is a non-binding early admission option for those students who have completed a thorough and thoughtful college search. It allows students to learn of their admission decision in December without requiring a response until May 1 or obligating them to enroll at the particular university. Further, Single-Choice Early Action allows applicants to apply to as many colleges as they want under a Regular admission timeframe. This option, therefore, gives early admitted students considerably more time to reflect on future plans and, if they so choose, explore a variety of educational institutions that might meet individual needs and aspirations.

Deadlines -- The deadlines for these programs will be early in your senior year. The actual deadline varies from school to school, but in general is some time between November 1st-15th of your senior year.

Most universities offer either Early Action or Early Decision but not both. It is your responsibility to review each college or universities policies and honor them if you choose to apply early.

General guidelines regarding these programs:

Early Decision removes choice on the part of the student. Today you may know that ABC University is the school for you. Ten months from now, you will be a different person and your ideas, family situation or financial situation may change which could cause you to waver on your decision. Put some serious thought into applying Early Decision and speak to your college counselor early in the fall semester senior year before doing so.

Early Action is an excellent way to go if getting in early is important to you. Many more schools are turning towards this program. The flexibility to apply to as many schools as you would like and not be bound in your decision makes this an attractive alternative to ED programs.

If you are not admitted into a university's early program, your application will most likely be rolled into the Regular Decision pool and notification will come around late March/early April.

The Common Application -- You can use the Common Application to apply Early Decision or Early Action. You must attach a letter with your application stating your intent and why you are applying early. In addition, you should include the Early Decision Commitment Card from the college of your choice. More on the Common Application is discussed in the section titled Applications in this guidebook.