TIP OF THE WEEK - July 27, 2009

Early Decision vs. Early Action

As you begin to complete your college applications, you should be aware of the
differences between early decision and early action. The exact rules may vary
somewhat by college. Check with your counselor to make sure you understand
your rights and obligations.

Early decision plans are usually binding. Meaning, you agree to attend the college
if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can
apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges through
the regular admissions process. If you're accepted by your first-choice college early, you must withdraw all other applications. Usually, colleges insist on a nonrefundable deposit well before May 1.

College Planning Network does not recommend you apply early decision if your
ability to attend college depends on the financial aid package you receive.
Applying early action makes appealing for additional financial aid much more difficult because you cannot use other college’s offers or your choice to not attend as leverage for additional financial aid.

Early action plans are similar but are not binding, unlike early decision. If you’ve
been accepted, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the
spring. Under these plans, you may also apply early action to other colleges. Usually, you have until the late spring to let the college know your decision. This allows you time to consider all the financial aid packages offered to you before committing to enroll in a college.

Single-choice early action is a new option offered by a few colleges. This plan
works the same way as other early action plans, but candidates may not apply early
(either early action or early decision) to any other school. You can still apply to other schools and are not required to give your final answer of acceptance until the regular decision deadline.

Hope you found our "Tip of the Week" to be informative and helpful.

Until next week...

Your Friends At The College Planning Network