As college application deadlines approach, stress levels invariably rise. Many students wonder if applying earlier than they already have to would increase their chances of being accepted. Senior Taylor White, who is applying early, said, “I believe it doesn’t hurt to apply early; it can only help your chances of admission. But, if you know you absolutely want to go to a school, applying Early Decision, which has a binding agreement, in my mind is the best way to improve your chances of admission.”

 Lisa Burnham, an Edina High School counselor, gives the answer that many high schoolers do not want to hear: Applying early does not necessarily improve the odds, and acceptance always depends on the student’s individual application.

It is important to keep in mind that the pool of early applicants may be very tough and that admissions officers are primarily concerned with building a class. Burnham gives the example that a university cannot accept 500 students who are all from the Midwest, play in the band, and run track.   

Applying early has benefits, but it is certainly not the right choice for everyone. These programs were designed for those students who already have their hearts set on a dream school.

With applying Early Action, the search process is finished sooner because most students hear back from schools by December 15. Drawbacks include the inability to change your mind if you learn more about a school or the town where the college is located. If you’re on the bubble (meaning you are not an almost certain candidate for acceptance) or if your senior grades would be very influential to your application, it may not make sense to apply early.

According to the College Board website, if students decide to apply Early Decision, they sign a contract to attend if accepted and offered adequate financial aid. On the other hand, Early Action isn’t binding, and students have until May 1 to commit to a school if admitted. It is not possible to apply Early Decision to one school and Early Action to another, but in most cases it is possible to apply Early Action to several schools.

According to Burnham, in a typical class of 600 students, about 50 apply Early Decision and about 120-125 apply Early Action. Students should talk over this decision with their counselors. “It is hard to make a blanket statement and that we [the counseling department] would never say a student shouldn’t or can’t [apply early action or decision], and we would always allow him to make the final decision,” said Burnham.