Applying with Confidence: Early vs Regular Decision
Helping students choose the timing that sets them up for success
By Lara Poulios
Understanding the Options Before You Apply
ED, EA, RD… the alphabet soup of college application plans can feel overwhelming at first. Families often hear these terms tossed around and assume there’s a “right” strategy—but in reality, the best choice depends entirely on the student.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many students trying to decide whether to apply early or wait for regular application deadlines. Some feel pressure to apply early, while others aren’t sure if they’re ready. The key is not just understanding what each option means, but knowing when it makes sense for your student.
Early Decision: A Confident Commitment
Early Decision (ED) is designed for students who have a clear first-choice college and are ready to commit.
A student may apply to only one school through ED, and if accepted, they are obligated to attend that school. That means withdrawing all other applications and moving forward without comparing financial aid offers. For that reason, families need to be comfortable with the expected cost as calculated by the college’s Net Price Calculator. Why would a student commit through an ED plan? Colleges often report higher acceptance rates for Early Decision, although these numbers usually factor in recruited athletes and a somewhat stronger applicant pool.
ED deadlines typically fall in early November, with decisions released between mid-December and mid-January.
Early Action: Flexibility with an Early Timeline
Early Action (EA) offers many of the same timing advantages as ED, without the binding commitment.
Students can apply to multiple schools through EA, receive decisions earlier in the winter, and still have until May 1st to make their final choice. For students who have their materials ready by November, this can be a great way to reduce stress.
Regular Decision: More Time to Strengthen Your Application
Regular Decision (RD) application plans allow for more time, but results come later in the process.
With deadlines typically in January and decisions arriving in late winter, RD gives students additional time to refine their applications. This can be especially valuable for improving test scores, strengthening essays, and showcasing first-semester senior year grades.
How to Know If Applying Early Is the Right Move
Before choosing an ED or EA plan, students should be able to confidently say yes to a few key questions:
- Have I finished junior year with grades that reflect my best work?
- Are my test scores where I want them to be?
- Have I done enough research to know this school is a strong fit?
- Is my application polished and representative of my best effort?
For Early Decision applicants: Am I absolutely certain this is the school I want to attend, and is my family comfortable with the financial commitment?
The Strategy That Matters Most
All application plans—ED, EA, and RD—require the same core materials. The difference isn’t the application itself, but the timing and level of commitment.
A strong application submitted in January will almost always be more effective than a rushed application submitted in November. The goal isn’t to apply early—it’s to apply well, and at the right time for you.
After many years in corporate America, Lara Poulios discovered her passion for guiding students through the college search process while accompanying her firstborn on his college visits. She enrolled in UCLA’s College Counseling Certificate Program in 2014 and never looked back, having recently completed her 11th application cycle. Lara joined the Dobler College Consulting team in 2022 and focuses on helping students thoughtfully explore their college options, identify schools that are the right academic and personal fit, and navigate the admissions process with clarity and confidence.
Lara also earned the designation of International University Advocate through NACAC, demonstrating her ability to support students pursuing college opportunities outside the United States. She looks forward to helping students plan international college visits.