Early Action-Early Decision
The Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are fast approaching--most are either November 1st or November 15th. How do you decide whether to apply EA or ED, and what's the difference? Definition: Early Action (EA) is a NON-BINDING agreement in which you apply before the general deadline to show your interest in a particular college. Early Decision (ED), on the other hand, is a BINDING CONTRACT to attend the college, should it accept you. Since ED is binding, you'll usually need to file a preliminary application for financial aid at the same time, so that the college can provide you with an estimate of your financial package. Not all colleges offer EA or ED--and most that do will offer one rather than the other (though an increasing number are offering both). In addition, there's a trend now toward having TWO different early tracks--EA or ED I and EA or ED II. You also need to check the particular college's web site, as other hybrid early programs are show