Does it matter if you submit your college application early?

Timing and application strategy are key in selective admissions, and applying in the early round can improve the chances of getting an acceptance letter — but only if students are ready.

Is it better to submit college application early?

Many universities accept students on a rolling basis. This means that instead of releasing all their decisions on one day, everyone finds out at different times depending on when they apply. Applying early can give you a leg up in getting accepted before spots begin to fill up and schools have to get pickier.

Does it matter what time you submit college application?

Applying sooner means you hear back sooner, which gives you time to confirm your decision or explore all your options. Some schools even offer early decision, in which you can send in your application before their standard deadline. This application helps to express your interest in the university.

What happens if you apply to college early?

Early decision is a binding commitment, meaning those who apply in this round must attend the selected college if they are accepted. You can only apply to one school early decision because of that binding commitment. So experts recommend only applying early decision if you have a clear top-choice school.

Does applying to college early give you a better chance?

This means that the average student is more likely to get in when they apply early decision than when the same student applies regular decision to the same school. On average, applying ED is going to result in a 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools.

How College Admissions Works - Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Admissions & all the rest

Is there a downside to applying early action?

Your record might stand out more when competing with those in the regular admissions cycle. You can't compare and negotiate financial aid offers unless you receive them form several schools. Early on, it's much harder to tell where close friends (or even enemies) may be going to college.

How much does early application increase chances?

“Between Fall 2017 and Fall 2018, colleges reported an average increase of 11 percent in the number of Early Decision applicants and 10 percent in ED admits. The number of Early Action applications increased by 10 percent and the number of students accepted through EA increased by 9 percent.”

Why do I regret applying early decision?

Students who regret their decision to apply ED are usually unhappy because of the financial aid package they receive. Early-decision students usually know what they're in for when they apply, but your financial aid package is one thing that you can't predict. The college bill can take anyone by surprise.

What happens if you apply early decision and don't go?

Since early decision is binding, applicants should only apply under this admission plan after careful consideration. Breaking an early decision offer can come with major penalties — some high schools may even withhold transcripts from other colleges.

Is applying early decision worth it?

Summary. Applying early is a big commitment — you should feel very confident about your college choice. However, if you are 100% sure that you want to attend a specific school and you believe you have a strong application, applying for early decision can be a great choice for you.

What happens if you apply early decision and don t get accepted?

You probably gave considerable thought to making your ED choice, so it's understandable if you find it hard to let go. Be easy on yourself, but don't fall into a funk over this. It's only one school. Statistically, the most likely response at most schools is to defer an ED applicant to the Regular Decision round.

Are colleges more likely to accept early decision?

Since early decision is your statement that you will indeed attend their school, they are more likely to admit you, assuming that you are qualified. And if you show demonstrated interest by applying early, it's a good indicator to them that you are serious about attending and more likely to accept an offer.

How many colleges should you apply too?

In general, most students apply to between 8 and 12 colleges. This is a good range to aim for, provided that the applications you submit represent a broad variety of colleges. Ideally, you want to apply to at least two safety, four target, and two reach schools.

Why do college students get early admissions?

Applying early, especially for an early decision, shows the college you are interested. It may also increase your odds of getting accepted — if the early admission rates at the college are significantly higher than regular decision admission rates.

Is it OK to only apply to 3 colleges?

There is no magic number, but five to eight applications are usually enough to ensure that a student is accepted into a suitable institution (depending, of course, on the individual student's record and circumstances). This number should be made up of a combination of “safety,” “match,” and “reach” colleges.

Is it OK to apply to 4 colleges?

The College Board recommends applying to 5-8 schools, with approximately 50% of those applications dedicated to your target schools. Use the remaining 2-4 applications for your safety and reach schools.

Is 17 too many colleges to apply to?

The College Board recommends that high school seniors narrow down their application list to five to eight schools. It's okay to stray a little outside this range, but as a general rule of thumb you should aim to reach those numbers because sending more than ten applications can have drastic consequences.

What are the early signs of college acceptance?

What happens if you apply for college but don't go?

If there isn't a legitimate reason for not attending the college, then there may be consequences for doing so. The institution may inform your high school. More importantly, the college has the right to inform other colleges, and this could cost you your accepted spot at those institutions.

What happens if you apply to a college and change your mind?

If a student were to change their mind about committing to that school after submitting their application and before they learn of their decision, they have every right to withdraw their application.

Can I accept a college offer and then reject?

Can you reject a college after accepting? Certainly! From the day you accept your acceptance offer to the day of your graduation, you can choose to no longer attend the university you're currently at. This is even true for those who accept an early decision acceptance offer, which are usually binding.

Does early decision give you less money?

Applying early decision might improve your odds of being accepted with certainty to your dream school, but it might limit your financial aid opportunity at the same time. As an early decision applicant, you agree that, if admitted, you will enroll at that university and withdrawal your applications from other colleges.

Does early decision give you more money?

But colleges don't have as much incentive to award merit-based scholarships to ED applicants. “The conventional wisdom is that students who need to get the best financial aid package possible shouldn't apply early decision,” said Michelle Kretzschmar, founder of DIY College Rankings.

What happens if you get accepted to 2 early decisions?

While EA allows you to submit an application early, it is non-binding and does not confer the same admissions boost as applying Early Decision. You can of course apply to both schools, but remember that ED is binding, and if both offer you a place, you will be obligated to attend the school you applied to ED.

What happens if you apply early decision and get accepted?

Remember, early decision is binding, it is contractual. You can only apply early decision to one school because if you are accepted to that school, you have contracted to attend that school upon admission.