Anonymous wrote:UMD admits almost everyone during early action so I think it really depends on the school.

Plus 1. UMD’s rep was on a panel discussion and said they accept very few regular decision.

In general, I think it’s better to apply EA if it’s an option. There can be deadline for merit consideration that is close to the EA deadline or more merit money (thinking state schools that aren’t crazy competitive) is available if applying earlier. For a school like UMD there is an advantage for admissions since they fill 90% of the class from the EA round.

Even if there isn’t a merit or admissions edge, finding out earlier is a benefit to know you are in somewhere and to spread out the time to visit and make decisions. April is an incredibly busy month for many seniors and my kid at most could attend 2 admitted student weekends in April assuming they didn’t overlap. Both my kids ended up at schools they were accepted to EA and attended accepted student day in March.

For schools that care about demonstrated interest EA is one way to show it. Check the CDS for each school.

UVa admissions chances are visibly better during EA/ED than during Regular admission. This situation is not uncommon across a wide range of universities.

UMD admits almost everyone during early action so I think it really depends on the school.

Some colleges there is an advantage, others like JMU specifically say there is not. Best to look on the specific college website to see if they say.

FAQs
Is it easier to be admitted if I apply Early Action?
No. Whether you apply Early Action or Regular Decision, the ultimate decision will be the same. We offer early admission to candidates whom we are certain we would admit at any time. Students admitted under Early Action typically have very strong and complete records of achievement and involvement. We offered admission to about one-third of our early applicants and one-half of our regular applicants.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dd applied EA and got in almost everywhere she applied. My ds doesn't think its important? His GPA is lower than hers. SAT is higher.
Is there an advantage to doing this?

What are you asking? Advantage to doing what?

Is there an admission advantage?

Yes! You don’t have to go through the months of worry and anguish and decision. Hopefully they send out the packaged offers to your child very soon, so you can see which is school will pony up the best offer, then visit to meet with staff, attend a class, look at dorms and test dining, see if they will offer even more incentives to get your kid there, then make final decision.

Anonymous wrote:My dd applied EA and got in almost everywhere she applied. My ds doesn't think its important? His GPA is lower than hers. SAT is higher.
Is there an advantage to doing this?

What are you asking? Advantage to doing what?

Advantage to doing what?

There may be an advantage to getting in everywhere if a student doesn't want to apply to any reaches.

There may be an advantage to applying EA in that you hear earlier. I don't think there's an admissions advantage.

Some schools have an admissions advantage if you apply ED, but since that's binding, it's only appropriate if someone is sure it's their first choice and it's affordable without merit.

My dd applied EA and got in almost everywhere she applied. My ds doesn't think its important? His GPA is lower than hers. SAT is higher.
Is there an advantage to doing this?