Early Action vs Early Decision: What international students need to know

Making sense of the university application process when you want to study abroad can feel overwhelming. Deciding where and how to apply, including your preferred application procedure, requires research. Two popular choices for early applications are Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED). They seem similar at first glance, but they have different rules, requirements and deadlines, all of which can impact your study abroad plans. In this guide, we discuss and analyse the characteristics of each, the differences and which option suits your goals. 

What is Early Action (EA)?

An Early Action application allows you to apply early but without requiring you to commit to the university if you are accepted. EA is predominantly used for undergraduate admissions in the USA, with versions of the practice in Canada and the UK.  For universities abroad, an EA usually starts in November with an admissions decision made by January or February. This is different from if you were an Early Decision (ED) applicant, where your confirmation is required. There are some positive reasons to select the EA process, including:

• Allowing you to apply to multiple universities simultaneously
• Giving you time to compare institutions, including tuition fees and financial aid.
• Reducing uncertainty by getting an early confirmation of acceptance 

Some of the downsides of opting for the EA are:

• You need to get your documents and test scores ready earlier than usual. 
• A competitive process, especially at highly ranked institutions. 

Your evaluation of whether to use an EA application option will depend on your circumstances, needs and goals. For example, if you want to explore multiple institutions or different degrees.

What is Early Decision (ED)

If you choose to follow the Early Decision (ED) process, it is binding and you will have made a commitment to attend the university which has accepted you. For ED, you will submit a single application by an early deadline, usually in November of the year before you intend to study. If you are accepted, you will be expected to enrol and commit, and withdraw any other applications that you have. 

There are benefits in choosing to go the ED route. Firstly, it demonstrates that you have a strong interest in the university you’re applying to, which can help your admission chances. Secondly, you can expect to receive a decision quickly, which helps with planning. Where ED can be more challenging is that you can't compare offers or explore options, so you need to be sure the university you have selected is right for you.  With the speed of acceptance, you may have less time to find and explore financial aid opportunities. Once again, using an ED application will depend on your priorities and goals. It is best suited for students who are very certain of their choice of institution and destination. 

What is Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA)

You may have heard of Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA), which is also called Restrictive EA. SCEA is a form of early application exclusively used by Ivy League universities, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Stanford and is not a general practice in other study destinations. It is a non-binding / non-committed option, but it does require you to agree that you won’t apply to other private institutions using EA or ED.  With SCEA, you can only apply to one private institution, but you can apply to public universities or institutions. 

What are the main differences between Early Action and Early Decision?

It’s useful to understand the main differences between the two application processes. We’ve summarised these for you in the table below. 

Which application type is right for you?

To decide which application route you wish to pursue, it's worth asking yourself some questions.

1. Do you want an early response that also has flexibility and options? 
2. Are you still comparing and weighing up your options?
3. Do you want to refine and improve your application for multiple institutions?
4. Are you still unsure of your favourite university or course of study?

If you answered yes to more than two of these questions, then it would be advisable to choose EA. Now consider the following questions:

1. Have you got a first-choice university that you have settled on?
2. Have you done your research and are you happy with the social, cultural and academic fit of your chosen university?
3. Are you confident of your academic and financial readiness?
4. Are you willing to commit and withdraw any other applications if you are accepted?

If you answered mainly yes to the above questions, then it’s time to consider choosing ED. 

Making the right choice between EA and ED

There are some factors to bear in mind when evaluating whether you choose EA or ED. For both, you need to be very aware of deadlines and timelines to have the best chance of success. Ensure that when lodging your application for either, you understand the rules, regulations and requirements of the university you apply to, as these may differ. If you decide to use ED, remember that you forego the choice of comparing financial aid offers, including scholarships, so evaluate your circumstances. 

The crucial things to remember between the two choices are:

1. You can apply to multiple EA schools, but only one ED school. If you choose ED, you must withdraw any other applications you have made if you are accepted. 
2. If you violate any terms and conditions of an ED agreement, you can be held liable, and it will damage your personal and academic reputation.
3. There are financial aid packages for both EA and ED, but they are non-negotiable in the case of an ED offer. 

Whether you choose EA, ED or regular application, the basic rules and guidelines remain the same. Plan early, research thoroughly, and always keep your personal, academic, professional and financial goals in mind. Don’t hesitate to contact a university to speak to their admissions team personally, or you can speak with an education counsellor to better understand your options.