When it comes to the college application process, you’d be surprised how much timing factors into things. Despite this, many students wonder if applying through early action or early decision – a.k.a. early admissions – is actually worth it.
We covered the differences between the two types of early admissions in a previous post, so we won’t cover them here. Instead, this blog will focus on weighing the pros and cons of early admissions and deciding if this is right for you.
What Are the Benefits of Early Admissions?
Early admissions allows you to submit your application before the regular application cycle. Since the timeline is accelerated, there can be several advantages including:
1. Shows initiative to colleges
Applying through early admissions shows you’ve managed your time and responsibilities to prepare for, and meet, the earlier deadline. This reflects positively on your interest in their program and shows you’re eager to be part of their community. As an added bonus, it shows you’re mature enough to take ownership of your future and be an active participant in your educational goals.
In more competitive applicant pools, applying early could boost your application just enough to increase your chances of acceptance.
2. Early access to financial aid information
Applying early doesn’t guarantee more aid, but it can offer earlier access to scholarship and financial aid information. This can give you a head start on applying for merit-based or school-specific awards since most prospective students are still preparing their applications. This doesn’t mean you’re receiving your financial aid package sooner, but many colleges send financial information either along with or shortly after their admissions decisions.
This means you have more time to learn about your options, make informed decisions, and submit your financial aid forms by (or before) the school’s early deadlines.
3. Less stress during senior year
Since early admissions decisions are typically made months before regular decisions, you’ll know which college you’re attending before your peers. Not having to stress about college application deadlines and the uncertainty of your future gives you more peace of mind to focus on housing plans, which major you want to pursue, and sort your finances.
Even if your acceptance is deferred, you’ll still be considered during the regular decision process. Additionally, you’ll have more time to check out the campus, prepare for relocation (if necessary), and focus on enjoying your final year of high school.
Are You More Likely To Get in if You Apply Early?
This is a common question many applicants have, and, in fact, is one of the main reasons people consider applying early.
The short answer is yes, but it’s a bit complicated. Let’s start by looking at the numbers. Since Harvard won’t release the stats for the Class of 2029 until the fall of 2025, we’ll have to work with their figures for the Class of 2028.
| CLASS OF 2028 Harvard Admissions Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Early Admissions | Regular Decisions | Overall |
| 8.74% | – | 3.59% |
When we look at the Class of 2029 figures for Yale and MIT, you’ll see the early admissions rates are also higher than the overall acceptance rates.
| Class of 2029 Admissions Rates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale | MIT | ||||
| Early Admissions | Regular Decision | Overall | Early Admissions | Regular Decision | Overall |
| 10.82% | 3.56% | 4.59% | 6.0% | 3.5% | 4.52% |
What Is the Downside to Early Admissions?
As awesome as early admissions may be, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
1. High-profile applicants may inflate acceptance rates
Although the numbers in the previous section look appealing, there’s a bit more happening than what meets the eye. Students applying through early admissions often have a stronger, or more favorable, profile than those applying through regular admissions. This can include high-profile applicants such as legacy students, athletes who’ve been recruited, or top academic performers which can slightly inflate the figures of early admissions as their applications may be given preference.
2. More competitive applicants
The applicant pool in general is competitive, but this is ramped up when applying early. Why? Those who typically apply early have a strong academic profile on paper as well as additional advantages that make their application incredibly strong.
3. Shorter deadlines and less time to prepare
Preparing your college application is already stressful enough. Add a condensed timeline to the mix, and it can be a miserable time – if you don’t prepare properly. Working with a college admissions counselor can help you create (and stick to) a realistic timeline, which can help reduce the stress you may feel during this time.
4. Some decisions are binding
If you’re accepted to a college through early decision, you’ll have to withdraw your application from other schools as that’s a binding decision. In other words, you’re required to attend the first school that accepts you through early decision. Early action isn’t binding, so you can still choose which school you want to attend if you’re accepted to multiple through this option.
Who Should Consider Applying Early?
If you have a strong, polished application and a clear first-choice school in mind, you should consider applying early. This includes having a high GPA in rigorous courses, strong SAT or ACT scores, compelling personal essays and extracurricular activities, and glowing recommendation letters. If you have a profile that could be considered high-priority or you’re from an underrepresented background, you could stand out even more in the smaller applicant pool.
Is Early Admissions Worth It for Competitive Schools?
Statistically? Early admissions can be worth it for competitive schools, but only if done strategically. If you’re a borderline student looking for a shortcut into the Ivies, this isn’t it. But, if you have a highly competitive dream school in mind and your application is strong enough to compete against equally talented applicants, then yes.
When planning to apply early, make sure to only apply early decision to schools you’re eager to attend as you can’t reject their offer once it’s extended. Early action can be a great alternative if you still want the ability to choose which school to attend.
Is Early Admissions Right for You?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the strength of your application and what you think you can handle. Weigh your academic readiness, school preferences, and how the condensed timeline could impact your performance before making your decision.
If you’re not sure which path is right for you, submit the form at the bottom of this page or call us at 888-796-0068 to see how our college admissions counselors can help.
