As a parent, you know how quickly college application season sneaks up. With deadlines looming, one of the most common questions is whether your student should apply Early Action or wait for Regular Decision. Both options are widely used, but each comes with trade-offs that can affect admission chances, financial aid, and even the stress level of senior year.
What Is Early Action?
Early Action (EA) is a non-binding option that allows your student to apply to colleges earlier than the Regular Decision deadline — usually in November. The big advantage? They’ll often receive an admission decision much sooner, sometimes by December, without the obligation to commit until the standard May 1 decision deadline. This gives families extra time to compare financial aid offers and weigh options, all while reducing some of the uncertainty and stress of senior year.
Pros of Early Action:
Earlier decisions: Students typically hear back by December, reducing uncertainty and stress.
Non-binding: Unlike Early Decision, your student can still compare offers and decide by May 1.
More time to plan: An early admission decision gives families extra months to review financial aid packages and explore scholarships.
Demonstrated interest: Applying early can signal strong interest in a school, which some colleges may weigh positively.
Access to merit aid: At certain schools, students who apply Early Action are considered sooner — and sometimes more favorably — for merit scholarships.
Considerations of EA:
Earlier deadlines: Applications are often due in November, which means essays, recommendation letters, and test scores need to be ready sooner.
Limited senior-year improvements: Grades from fall semester may not be included, which could matter if your student is still raising their GPA.
Varies by school: Not all colleges offer Early Action, and each may have slightly different rules or restrictions (like “single-choice” EA).
No guarantee of admission: While EA can improve chances in some cases, it’s not a guarantee — students still need a balanced list of schools.
Financial aid timelines: Families may still have to wait until spring for full financial aid award details, even with an early admission decision.
What Is Regular Decision?
Regular Decision (RD) is the traditional application route most students take, with deadlines typically falling in January. Unlike Early Action, it gives your student more time to strengthen their application — whether that means improving grades, retaking standardized tests, or polishing essays. Decisions usually arrive in the spring, which can mean a longer wait, but it also provides the flexibility to apply to more schools and weigh all options before making a final choice.
Pros of Regular Decision:
More time to prepare: Your student has until January to polish essays, strengthen their GPA, or retake standardized tests.
Flexibility: Students can apply to as many schools as they’d like without restrictions.
Full senior-year record: Fall semester grades and achievements can be included, which may help boost an application.
More time for research: Families have extra months to explore colleges, compare fit, and plan visits.
Considerations of RD:
Longer wait for decisions: Most RD admission results aren’t released until March or April, which can add stress and uncertainty.
Competitive applicant pool: RD tends to have the largest pool of applicants, which may mean lower acceptance rates at selective schools.
Later financial aid info: Families may not see aid offers until spring, leaving less time to compare and plan before the May 1 decision deadline.
Deadline crunch: With multiple applications due around the same time, January can feel overwhelming for both students and parents.
Things to Consider When Helping Your Student Choose
When deciding between Early Action and Regular Decision, encourage your student to think about both timing and readiness. Does your student thrive on early deadlines, or do they need more time? Are their grades and test scores already strong, or would a few more months help strengthen their application? How confident are they in their college list, is there a clear top choice, or are they still exploring options? Don’t forget to factor in your family’s financial plan; applying early can bring peace of mind with quicker decisions, while waiting may give you more time to compare offers. At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that balances opportunities with your student’s well-being.
Final Thoughts:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right information, you can guide your student toward a confident decision. Red Kite will continue to provide trusted resources to help your family along the way.
The Red Kite Team
