College Deadlines 101: Restrictive Early Action & Single Choice Early Action
We recently posted a blog explaining the difference between Regular Decision, Early Action, and Early Decision. These are the most commonly used rounds in the application process. However, while researching college deadlines, you might have come across the terms “Restrictive Early Action” (REA) or “Single Choice Early Action” (SCEA). Perhaps the most notable are Harvard (REA) and Yale (SCEA). While different colleges may use slightly different terminology, REA and SCEA are basically the same concept with two different names. We feel that it’s important that you are aware of this term before submitting college applications.
What is Restrictive Early Action/Single Choice Early Action?
Quite simply, it falls somewhere in between Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED). With Early Action, you are able to apply early to multiple universities, as it is non-binding. Early Decision is binding, meaning students can only apply to one college in the early round.
Restrictive Early Action or Single Choice Early Action is the middle ground. Your student is only allowed to apply to one college during the early round. However, this round is non-binding, which means that even if they are accepted, they are still able to apply to other top choice colleges in the ED II or Regular Decision rounds. Since many colleges do not provide full financial aid information before the early round deadlines, this still gives your student the option of choosing another college from their list if their first-choice college doesn’t provide enough funding to make the college affordable.
There are pros and cons to every round of the college application process, but if your student’s first-choice college offers REA or SCEA, we highly encourage them to apply in this round. Their chances of acceptance can be up to five times higher than in Regular Decision, and they aren’t required to attend if accepted, which still leaves their options open.
It is also important to note that specific universities may have their own list of exceptions, so you should carefully check the admissions pages for each. For example, here are the exceptions for Yale’s SCEA:
You may apply to any college’s non-binding rolling admission program.
You may apply to any public institution at any time, provided that admission is non-binding.
You may apply to another college’s early decision II program, but only if the notification of admission occurs after January 1. If you are admitted through another college’s early decision II binding program, you must withdraw your application from Yale.
You may apply to another college’s early action II program.
You may apply to any institution outside of the United States at any time.
If you are a high school senior preparing to apply to college, Ivy Link can help! Whether you need in-depth guidance on essays or all-things Common App, Ivy Link advisors will boost your admissions chances, and provide additional guidance and support even after you are accepted. Click below to schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
