Early Action
What is early action?
Early action is a college admission option that allows students to apply earlier and receive an admission decision sooner than they typically would through regular decision.
Unlike early decision, early action is generally non-binding. If you’re accepted, you are not required to enroll and can still apply to other colleges, compare your options, and make your final decision later.
How does early action work?
Colleges that offer early action set an earlier application deadline for students who want to participate. You submit your application and required materials by that deadline, and the college reviews your application earlier in the admission cycle.
If you’re accepted through early action, you typically have until the college’s final reply date to decide whether to enroll. This gives you the benefit of hearing back sooner without requiring an early commitment.
Common application deadlines
Early action deadlines vary by college but often fall during the fall or winter of a student’s senior year of high school. See UB’s application deadlines.
Final reply date
A final reply date is the deadline by which an admitted student must tell a college whether they plan to enroll.
Because early action is non-binding, being accepted early does not mean you have to make your college decision early. You can take time to review your options before making your final choice.
Pros and cons of early action
Early action can be a great option for students who are prepared to submit their applications earlier in the admission cycle.
Pros of early action include:
- Receiving an admission decision sooner
- Having more time to plan for college
- Keeping your options open and comparing offers from different schools
Potential drawbacks include:
- Applying before later senior-year grades or accomplishments can be included
- Having less time to complete or strengthen your application
- Working with an earlier application deadline
Early action vs early decision
The biggest difference between early action and early decision is commitment.
Early action is generally non-binding. You can apply early, receive an admission decision sooner, and still consider other colleges before deciding where to enroll.
Early decision is binding. If you’re accepted through early decision, you generally agree to enroll at that college and withdraw applications from other schools.
For students who want the advantages of applying early while keeping their options open, early action can offer greater flexibility.
Why wait to find out what’s next? Apply early action to UB and take the first step toward your future as a Purple Knight.
Your future starts today!
- Apply online!
- Financial aid is available, and we accept applications on a rolling basis
- We have comprehensive support services that will get you through college and into a great career