What is EA and ED?

[Anonymous]

Hello, new to the college process, what is ED and EA? What is the difference? If you are accepted as one does that mean you HAVE to go to that school? Do you get to apply to more than one school as ED or EA? Is it a noticeable advantage to gaining acceptance to a school?

[Anonymous]

ED- early decision and binding. Apply to one ED

EA- early action. Non-binding, but earlier deadlines than regular decision

In recent years there has been an advantage applying ED and/or EA at some competitive schools.

[Anonymous]

Oh and you can apply to more than one for EA since it’s non-binding

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ED- early decision and binding. Apply to one ED

EA- early action. Non-binding, but earlier deadlines than regular decision

In recent years there has been an advantage applying ED and/or EA at some competitive schools.

DP.. how do they make ED binding? What if you decide not to go? Do they sue you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ED- early decision and binding. Apply to one ED

EA- early action. Non-binding, but earlier deadlines than regular decision

In recent years there has been an advantage applying ED and/or EA at some competitive schools.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

What if you apply to multiple ED? Is there a way for schools to find out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ED- early decision and binding. Apply to one ED

EA- early action. Non-binding, but earlier deadlines than regular decision

In recent years there has been an advantage applying ED and/or EA at some competitive schools.

DP.. how do they make ED binding? What if you decide not to go? Do they sue you?

They will not sue. You sign an ED agreement promising to withdraw all other apps if you are accepted. And, you agree that if you are accepted, they can share your name with other institutions. If don't enroll at your ED school and you are caught, you can be rescinded from other schools as well.

However, if the financial aid offered is not sufficient for you to attend, you can back out. Depending on the college, this can be messy, involve the high school counselor, etc. Best to use the college's Net Price Calculator before applying to see what the financial aid would be. If it does not appear to be affordable from the NPC, do not apply ED.

Another note, some EA plans come with restrictions. The most selective schools (Harvard etc) have several restrictions that involve not applying early to any other private universities, etc. You can find restrictions and exceptions on the school's website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What if you apply to multiple ED? Is there a way for schools to find out?

In order to apply ED, an ED agreement is also signed by your parents and the high school counselor. The high school counselor will not sign more than one ED agreement for you at a time. Plus, there is the aforementioned possibility that your other colleges would find out from the ED school.

It is irksome when people ask questions about how they might behave unethically. Please don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What if you apply to multiple ED? Is there a way for schools to find out?

Not possible with the common app. Parents, kid and counselor all sign the ED agreement electronically. You can only have one on file.

Don’t screw around with this. Our HS had a kid who got in ED to a T25 and Kept his RD apps active. Accepted RD to an Ivy. He he tried to pull out of his agreement with the ED school so he could accept the offer from the Ivy. Both schools rescinded his acceptances.

It’s a binding contract.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What if you apply to multiple ED? Is there a way for schools to find out?

In order to apply ED, an ED agreement is also signed by your parents and the high school counselor. The high school counselor will not sign more than one ED agreement for you at a time. Plus, there is the aforementioned possibility that your other colleges would find out from the ED school.

It is irksome when people ask questions about how they might behave unethically. Please don't.

Calm down, take a deep breath. Just because someone asked about possible repercussions doesn’t mean they intend to game the system. Someone asking if a state has the death penalty does not mean they are contemplating murder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh and you can apply to more than one for EA since it’s non-binding

Unless the EA is restrictive. Lookup Single Choice EA (HYP) or Restrictive EA (S).