What Are The Advantages Of Early Admission?

If you are planning on attending college, you might consider applying for early admission, which some schools offer. Early admission can be beneficial to some students, but it is not suited for everyone. Thus, it is important for those who plan to apply understand exactly what is involved before moving forward with an application.

Early admission options

There is more than one form of early admission. In fact, there are two major categories. Though they both require an early application, they differ in significant ways, making it imperative that students understand what applying for one or the other entails. The types and their characteristics are provided below:

Early Decision (ED)

ED is a program that is binding on the student. Simply put, a student may apply to only one school offering ED – although they can also apply to other schools that do not. To a large extent, this is putting all your educational hopes and dreams in one basket. The outcomes will be any of the following:

• Acceptance
• Deferral – This means the college will pass on early decision but include your application with all those who are applying within the normal time frame
• Denial

If a student does get accepted to the school, they must withdraw all applications from other colleges and attend the school that accepted his or her ED application. This is why it is considered a binding form of early admittance.If the student changes his or her mind after acceptance, it is highly likely that other schools will also reject any applications made by him or her. The only acceptable defense for reneging may be financial hardship if they are offered an inadequate financial aid package.

In fact, the issue of financial ability to attend is a concern. As a result, anyone who submits his or her application to an ED facility should have a solid financial plan in place. If the school offers you an financial aid package, you cannot negotiate or consider the options offered by other colleges. You have to accept whatever assistance the school provides you.

Early Action (EA)

Some colleges have early admissions programs that are not binding. This allows you to submit your applications to one or more EA schools. If one school accepts you, you are not required to commit yourself to that college, and you do not have to withdraw your applications from other schools. You are instead allowed to make up your mind on what school you wish to attend if you receive multiple acceptances.

Because EA is not binding, it leaves the individual open to reconsidering their original choices. He or she can closely look at any financial support the school offers. If it is unsatisfactory, the school can be rejected in favor of one that provides a more suitable financial package.

Why you should apply early

While the issue of finances may cause certain issues for students, early admission may still be an excellent option for some. Students who apply early also receive their decisions back earlier than other students. This may be an important factor for those who have their hearts set on a specific school that offers ED or even EA. Other advantages of applying for applying for early admission are:

• Time to work on the financial requirements for this specific college
• Many top colleges admit a greater percentage from these early application when compared to the regular applicants
• Knowing exactly what college you want to attend can simplify the process and clarify interest and approach
• Opportunity to save money on applications
• Early admission still allows students to make the deadline for regular applications if their first choice denies them admittance

Making a Decision

Early admissions are becoming increasingly popular on college campuses. Even some of the top schools in the United States are offering students a chance to gain early admission.

However, before a student makes the decision to go this route, it is important that he or she look at the different types of admission available and consider their pros and cons before coming to a conclusion that suits them, their capabilities and their resources.
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