The three rounds in one paragraph
Early Decision (ED) is a binding commitment: you apply to one school, usually by November 1, and if admitted you withdraw every other application. Early Action (EA) is non-binding — you apply early, hear early, and can still compare offers in the spring. Regular Decision (RD) is the standard January deadline with decisions in March and April.
Some schools also offer ED II (a second binding round in early January) and Restrictive/Single-Choice Early Action, which is non-binding but limits which other schools you may apply early to.
When ED is worth it
- You have one clear favorite and would attend without comparing offers.
- Your family has run the school's net price calculator and can afford the estimate.
- Your application is already strong in the fall — ED does not wait for senior-year grades or a December test score.
When ED is a mistake
- You need to compare financial aid packages. ED gives you no leverage.
- You are still deciding between two or three schools you like equally.
- A first-semester senior grade or retake would meaningfully change your file.
About that 'early admit rate'
Early admit rates look dramatically higher than regular ones, but the early pool is not the same pool. It contains recruited athletes, legacy applicants, and students who prepared a year ahead. Applying early helps at the margin — it does not turn a reach into a target. Treat the boost as real but modest, and never as a reason to apply early to a school you have not researched.
A sane default plan
- Apply EA everywhere EA is offered — it is free information and early good news.
- Use ED only for a genuine first choice that is affordable.
- Keep two or three likely schools in the early rounds so you have an admit before winter break.
- Have your RD supplements drafted before decisions arrive in December.