Early Action, Early Decision, Early Advantage: Why Applying Early Has Never Mattered More
The Early Application Explosion
Over the past five years, colleges have rapidly expanded their early admission options — and students have followed. According to Common App’s 2023–24 data release, over 1.2 million students submitted 5.2 million applications by November 1 — a 10% increase from the previous year. Importantly, first-generation students applying early rose by 19%, and applications to public institutions grew by 12%.
More than 820 colleges now offer an Early Action or Early Decision plan, a record number. And at many highly selective institutions, early programs are not just an advantage — they’re the expectation.
University of Virginia reinstated Early Decision in 2019, reversing its 2006 phase-out due to strong demand from students identifying UVA as their top choice.
Boston College replaced Early Action with two Early Decision rounds in 2020 to manage volume and identify applicants with the strongest interest.
USC launched its first Early Action cycle for the Class of 2028 and received over 42,000 early applications — more than half of its total applicant pool. Just this year it added Early Decision for its Marshall School of Business.
University of Florida and Florida State introduced EA plans in recent years, with FSU’s plan specifically to support Florida residents in a changing admissions climate.
Why Colleges Love Early Applicants
Why have so many colleges pivoted to early options? The short answer: predictability. Early applicants allow institutions to better manage enrollment and ensure higher yield rates.
As noted in Inside Higher Ed, Early Decision applicants have an average yield rate of 88%, compared to about 26% overall. They:
Help admissions offices build a strategic class
Signal commitment and organizational maturity
Make financial modeling and housing projections easier
Data from Crimson Education show that ED applicants were 2x to 4x more likely to be admitted than Regular Decision candidates at schools like Brown, Duke, and Dartmouth.
Consider these stats:
Vanderbilt filled over 50% of its incoming class via ED1 and ED2.
Tulane University admitted 59.4% of ED applicants vs. just 11% from the regular pool.
University of Pennsylvania and Cornell each enroll approximately half of their freshman classes from early rounds.
The Power of Applying Early: The Ivies & MIT
Early admit rates consistently exceed regular rounds, even as overall acceptance rates fall.
EA vs. ED: Understanding the Difference
Applying ED2 is a powerful second chance if your ED1 school doesn’t work out — and colleges like Emory, NYU, and Middlebury use it to fill significant portions of their class.
Timing Is Everything
Applying early means starting the process much earlier in the calendar year. Students who submit polished applications by November typically begin preparations in the summer before senior year.
Families should focus on:
Visiting colleges in sophomore and junior years
Requesting recommendations by end of junior year
Finalizing the college list by August
Completing all essays before the school year intensifies
Securing test scores (if submitting) by October
Submitting applications by October or November deadlines
Yield Protection and the Waitlist Problem
As colleges face application surges, many use yield protection to avoid admitting students unlikely to enroll. Even strong applicants may be waitlisted instead of admitted — especially if they haven’t demonstrated serious interest.
Consider these 2024–25 stats:
University of Michigan waitlisted 24,804 applicants — only 3.9% were admitted.
University of Virginia admitted just 2.3% from its 10,470-student waitlist.
Duke University released ~50 students from its waitlist in late July, less than a month before classes started.
Applying early — particularly through ED — typically guarantees a decision by December, but doesn’t necessarily avoid the stressful limbo of the waitlist.
Action Steps for Families
Start now to make early deadlines work for you:
Audit your timeline: Plan essay completion, test scores, and recommendations before school intensifies.
Clarify your ED/EA strategy: Where will early application most help your student?
Track deadlines and formats: EA vs. ED1 vs. ED2 all have distinct requirements.
Run the Net Price Calculator: Use tools from each college’s financial aid site to understand the cost of a binding ED commitment.
Stay organized: Use shared planning tools like our application checklist.
Final Thoughts
In today’s admissions landscape, applying early isn’t just a strategic advantage — it’s become essential. With more than half of the freshman class often admitted in early rounds and Regular Decision pools growing increasingly competitive, applying early significantly increases your odds.
Students who prepare in advance, submit compelling early applications, and communicate genuine interest will not only stand out — they’ll also enjoy a less stressful senior year. The evidence is clear: in college admissions, the early bird truly gets the worm.
