Introduction
By October, the pressure is real. Seniors see friends posting about getting apps in early, “neighbors” are telling you that their kid got into their dream school because they applied early, parents worry about scholarship deadlines, and colleges flood inboxes with early application reminders and promote (sometimes misleading) incentives for applying early.
It’s easy to think “earlier is better.”
But in reality, applying early, whether Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED), only helps if the student and the application are truly ready. The counselor’s role is to help students slow down, think clearly, and make rational and strategic decisions that serve both their academic and financial future.
1. Talk Honestly About Early Decision
Early Decision – a binding agreement between the applicant and the college – can be appealing. The appeal is obvious: higher admit rates, an early answer, less uncertainty. But those benefits come with real tradeoffs and this is a smart option for a very small portion of the students you work with.
The key question: Is the student emotionally and financially ready to commit before comparing offers?
Counselor talking points:
- ED is binding. If admitted, the student must attend, regardless of other offers or financial aid packages.
- Colleges that admit many ED students often do so to boost yield… not necessarily because it benefits students.
- Students who need to compare aid packages should avoid ED.
- It’s okay for a student to say, “I love this school, but I can’t commit without knowing the cost.”
- Students often feel pressured to apply ED even if they aren’t 100% set on the college just for the increased chance of admission, which defeats the intended purpose of ED. The heightened acceptance rate, in theory, is a result of the student being sure they want to go there.
Here is a good talking point or email response with your students families considering Early Decision:
“Early Decision makes sense when cost isn’t a major factor and you’re 100% sure this is your top choice. But it’s not fair to you or your family to lock in before seeing aid offers. Let’s look at other ways to show interest.”
2. When Early Action Helps… and When It Doesn’t
Early Action is non-binding, which makes it tempting. Of course, a much larger portion of your students will at least consider early action. Early Action is also getting more and more popular each year. But it’s not automatically the best move.
Students who should wait until Regular Decision:
- Expect to retake standardized tests in the fall (and get a higher score)
- Are taking rigorous classes and doing well: this will raise their GPA
- Will have new accomplishments (awards, leadership roles, projects) that strengthen their story
For these students, applying early can weaken their application by freezing it before their strongest evidence arrives.
Example:
A student with a 3.6 GPA and 1200 who expects a strong semester that could raise it to 3.8 and a 1390 may be better off waiting. Colleges review fall grades before Regular Decision deadlines; that type of improvement can be the difference between being denied and admitted.
3. Not All “Early” Plans Are Equal
Every college defines its policies differently.
- Some evaluate Early Action and Regular Decision the same way… timing only.
- Others (especially selective colleges) may see EA as a sign of genuine interest and admit more students from that pool.
- Some public universities give early applicants priority for scholarships, housing, or programs.
Encourage students to verify each college’s policy directly through its website or admission representative. There’s no substitute for accurate information directly from someone at that college.
4. The Real Advantage: Clarity and Calm
When used well, Early Action offers psychological relief: an earlier sense of where a student stands and sometimes a confidence boost before winter deadlines.
But that advantage only matters if the application reflects the student at their best. A rushed early app that leads to deferral can cause months of extra stress and is counterproductive. Sometimes the wisest move is to prioritize quality and readiness over speed.
Resource: Early Application Readiness Checklist
For one-on-one meetings with students and families (Modify this to fit your school’s or families’ unique situation/circumstances)
Step 1: Clarify Your Plan
☐ I understand the difference between Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision.
☐ I’ve checked each college’s policy to see if applying early changes my admission or scholarship odds.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Readiness
☐ My current GPA and test scores reflect my best work
☐ My essay and activities list are finished or are nearly complete.
☐ My fall classes, tests, or activities are unlikely to change my profile significantly.
Step 3: Consider Financial Fit
☐ I’ve discussed affordability with my family.
☐ If applying Early Decision, we’ve reviewed the Net Price Calculator together and are comfortable with the financial situation we are projected to be in.
Step 4: Plan Next Steps
☐ I know when decisions will be released and what to do if deferred.
☐ I’ve set reminders to update colleges with new grades, awards, or roles later this fall.
Counselor Tip:
Invite students to bring this checklist to your next meeting. It reframes the conversation from “Should I apply early?” to “Am I ready to apply early?”
Closing Thought
Applying early isn’t a race.. it’s a strategy. Let’s repeat this: Applying early isn’t a race, it’s a strategy. The goal isn’t to beat the calendar but to submit the strongest possible version of a student’s story.
When counselors help students slow down and think clearly, they don’t just improve outcomes. In fact, they protect students from unnecessary stress and financial regret.