Right. The early decision process involves getting many tasks done early, like test taking and visiting college. Early decision applicants need to get these things under their belts during junior year. Standardized tests must all be taken before the fall of the senior year and applications may not be postmarked after November 15th.

No. Early decision is a different process and will require a different, snappier timeline. The process involves getting many tasks over with early, like test taking and college visits. Early decision applicants must get these things under their belts during junior year. Standardized tests must all be taken before the fall of the senior year and applications may not be postmarked after November 15th.

No way! Early action and early decision are distinctly different. The main difference is that you can apply to more than one college under early action and find out earlier than April whether you were accepted. Students applying early action can also delay responding to admission offers until May 1. Deadlines for early action are in the fall of the senior year.

Right. Early action and early decision are distinctly different. The main difference is that you can apply to more than one college under early action and find out earlier than April whether you were accepted. Students can also delay responding to admission offers until May 1. Deadlines for early action are in the fall of the senior year.

Yes. The best financial packages may not go to students applying for early decision if the institution has already locked a student in. They don't need to offer further incentive to assure a student's attendance at their school.

Wrong. The best financial packages may not go to students applying for early decision if the institution has already locked a student in. They don't need to offer further incentive to assure a student's attendance at their school.

Not really. Though many people might advise you that early decision is the way to go, committing to a school early actually limits you. Counselors will caution against applying early decision because only top students are encouraged to apply early. Highly competitive applicants vying for the early slots may hurt your chances of getting into your chosen school.

You are right. Put a lot of time into the college selection and visitation process before truly deciding that this is the only school your child wants to attend. The speeded up timeline increases the pressure early in their high school careers to make big decisions months earlier than their peers.