US Universities: Early Action vs Early Decision vs Regular Decision

Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) are not the same. Early Action allows students to apply to a college in October or November of Senior year and receive an admission decision in Mid-December. Early Decision is the same, except that it is binding – you are obligated to attend the college if admitted, and you often need to make that decision prior to the typical May 1 deadline. By contrast, regular decision (RD) deadlines are usually January with admission notification in March or April. Below is a chart that helps you to understand