Although the number of students applying through Early Action (non-binding), Early Decision 1 (binding), and Early Decision 2 (binding) rounds continues to rise, these applicant pools are still much smaller compared to the regular decision pool at top colleges and universities. To complicate matters further, some schools like Georgetown and Notre Dame have Restrictive Early Action policies, which are non-binding but prevent you from applying Early Decision to other schools. Meanwhile, schools like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford offer Single-Choice Early Action, which is also non-binding but prohibits applying Early Decision or Early Action to any other private U.S. college or university. Confusing, right?
MASTERING THE EARLY ROUND
Our best advice: choose a strategic (in-range) best-fit Early Decision 1 school and then have an equally amazing (and strategic) Early Decision 2 or back up school in case things don’t go your way in the ED1 round. And no matter what, be absolutely certain to show the non-binding Early Action schools some love!
Personal Application Boot Camp®
Three days of one-on-one work with a Senior Counselor from the Application Boot Camp® team.
Every student’s application strategy is unique and requires careful consideration. Crafting a well-rounded, strategic plan on your own can be challenging, but our fully comprehensive one-on-one Personal Boot Camp is here to help guide you through the process!
EARLY DECISION & EARLY ACTION DEADLINES
We’ve gathered upcoming EA, ED, and ED2 deadlines for some of the country’s top colleges and universities. Click through for additional school-specific information and for any updates posted by the schools themselves.
Application Review Program
Do you have a compelling and strategic application package that will rise above the rest?
If you’ve already determined your application strategy and settled on a top-choice Early Decision school, we’ll provide a final review and assessment of your entire application, including essays and your application strategy, with our Application Review Program!
EARLY DECISION: LAST TIP
It is YOUR responsibility to ensure your high school (and you) submits all of the appropriate materials (including any college transcripts) on time and to the proper colleges. Gentle reminders to your school counselor and registrar go a long way, as do thoughtful thank you notes (and Amazon gift cards).
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- Yale Supplemental Essays 2026-2027 - September 4, 2026
- Inside Personal Application Boot Camp®: A Q&A with Senior Private Counselor Dr. Eliza Fox - August 26, 2026
- The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for 2027: Why the “Best” College Depends on the Student - August 19, 2026
