Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadlines come quickly—often in early November, and sometimes as early as October. While the application components are usually the same as those for Regular Decision deadlines, the earlier timeline means you have less time to collect and perfect your materials. The payoff? You can boost your chances of admission, hear back from colleges sooner, and finish a big part of the process months ahead of your peers.
At Avalon, we encourage students to apply early whenever possible. Not only can it improve your odds, it forces you to research your schools more in depth, to build a clear “why” for each one, and to stay on top of deadlines.
Understand Your Early Options
- Early Decision (ED): Legally binding—only one allowed. If accepted, you will attend.
- Early Action (EA): Non-binding—you can apply to many EA schools and still decide later.
- Note: Some schools – the UC campuses, UT Austin, and University of Washington, for example – have only one application date, with no early options offered.
Knowing which category each school falls into is the first step in mapping out your application strategy.
Research Like a Pro
Early applicants should start their college research earlier. We encourage students to look beyond the rankings and research schools on multiple levels, including at the department level. Look for:
- Differences in curriculum
- Unique study abroad destinations
- Distinct student life organizations
- Specialized programs and resources
When you know what makes a school truly unique, you can write essays that show genuine fit, which is something admissions officers notice.
Essays: Draft Early, Revise Often
Strong early applications start with strong essays. By August, our students are encouraged to have :
- Brainstormed personal statement and supplemental essay topics (early summer).
- Created structured outlines for their essays, to ensure their messages are clear and compelling
- Completed multiple rounds of feedback – yup, by August! We suggest completing up to five drafts for the personal statement and three drafts for other essays before they’re submission-ready.
This level of preparation means you’ll avoid last-minute stress and produce polished, authentic writing.
Activities List: Don’t Leave It for the End
The activities section is a core part of your application. Start early so you can:
- Refine descriptions for clarity, impact, and length.
- Highlight leadership, commitment, and results.
- Make your list “application ready” by September so it’s just an easy copy-paste into your forms.
Secure Strong Recommendations
Early applicants should ask for letters of recommendation before the start of senior year. Many teachers limit how many letters they’ll write. Ask early so your recommenders have time to write thoughtfully, while your contributions are fresh in their minds.
Master the Deadline Game
Early deadlines vary:
- Some ED and EA deadlines are in early October.
- Most fall on November 1 or November 15.
If you’re applying to multiple EA schools, be sure to keep a clear calendar (our students have deadlines automatically added in their Avalon portal). Note:
- School name and deadline.
- Essay prompts and status.
- Recommendation requirements.
Final Thoughts
Applying early requires more work up front, but it also sets you apart in the admissions process. With the right planning, research, and polished application materials, you can meet earlier deadlines with confidence.
At Avalon, we walk students through every step—from crafting standout essays to keeping track of complex deadline schedules—so nothing falls through the cracks.
Ready to get your early applications in top shape? Avalon can help you research, plan, and perfect your materials before deadlines arrive. Book a free consultation to start your early application strategy.