Is Your Early Application Strategy Ready?

Question 1

How thoroughly have you researched the schools on your early application list?

Accepted Answer

I've visited (virtually or in-person), read deeply, and can articulate specific reasons each school fits my goals; I've done solid research but haven't confirmed a clear first-choice school yet; I have a rough sense of a few schools but haven't done deep research on any of them; I haven't seriously researched early application schools yet

Question 2

How well do you understand the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, and Restrictive Early Action?

Accepted Answer

I fully understand the binding vs. non-binding distinctions and have factored them into my plan; I understand the basics but haven't fully worked through what each means for my situation; I've heard of the terms but am unclear on the strategic implications for my application; I'm not sure what the differences are or how they affect my options

Question 3

How far along are you on your early application materials — essays, activities list, and test scores?

Accepted Answer

My main application materials are complete or in final revision — I'm on track for November deadlines; Most materials are drafted; some essays need revision and I have time to finish; I've started but significant drafting and revision still remain — I'm behind schedule; I haven't begun most of my application materials yet

Question 4

If you're considering Early Decision, have you researched the school's financial aid and compared it to your expected package?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I've reviewed net price calculators, financial aid policies, and feel confident I can commit if admitted; I've done some research but haven't fully confirmed affordability for the ED binding commitment; I haven't researched the financial aid in depth — I'm focused on admissions first; Financial aid implications of ED haven't factored into my thinking at all

Question 5

Have you taken specific steps to demonstrate interest to your early-application school — campus visit, interviews, emails, virtual events?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I've taken multiple concrete steps and have meaningful touchpoints with the admissions office; Yes — one or two steps, but I could do more to show genuine interest; Not really — I haven't thought much about demonstrated interest for my early school; No — I didn't know demonstrated interest mattered for early applicants

Question 6

Do you have a clear first-choice school — and are you confident enough in that choice to apply EA or ED?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I have a clear first choice and feel confident in the fit, both academically and socially; I have a strong preference but still have some doubts about whether it's truly my first choice; I'm torn between two or three schools and can't commit to one yet; I don't have a clear first-choice school — I'm applying to many schools equally

Question 7

If you're not admitted early, do you have a well-developed Regular Decision list ready to submit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — my RD list is balanced (reach/target/likely) and I'm prepared to apply to all of them in January; Mostly — my RD list exists but needs some refinement before January; I have a rough list but haven't researched the RD schools in depth; I haven't thought through my Regular Decision strategy yet