What Is Restrictive Early Action?

If you’re a senior in high school, you know the hustle in applying for college is a different kind of rush. As you’re trying to build your college credentials, you’re also trying to leave a lasting impression on the admissions teams, especially if you’re planning on attending a prestigious or Ivy League school.  And for those very accomplished students, restrictive early action is one of the best ways to demonstrate commitment and interest in their dream school. But what exactly does that mean and look like for admitted students?

In this article I will go over everything you need to know about what restrictive early action means, the different types of college deadlines, the pros and cons of applying and more. College application deadlines are right around the corner, which is why it’s important to understand every aspect of the process. So, follow along and let this be your guide through an effective and smooth application submission.

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Understanding Restrictive Early Action

Restrictive Early Action (REA), also known as single-choice early action (SCEA), is a non-binding early program option that allows students to exclusively apply early to one institution, restricting them from applying early to an other private institution under an early action or early decision plan.

REA is a way for students to show an invested interest in that school while still being open to comparing regular final decision offers. It also allows students to receive an early decision without the obligation to commit to the school. In other words, REA allows students to apply early without the commitment of early decision, but with restrictions on applying to other early action programs.

Early Action Programs

Early action programs allow students to apply for college and receive their decisions earlier than usual, usually by mid December. These programs are non-binding, meaning students are not required to commit to attending the school they’ve applied to if accepted. Some colleges call this “single-choice early action,” and it is a non-binding process for students to apply to their top choice.

Restrictive Early Action vs Early Decision

Restrictive early action and early decision can seem quite similar at first glance. However, there are important differences, and you need to be aware of these to make the right choice for your application.

Restrictive early action (REA) is non-binding and allows students to apply to college early. However, if accepted, they are not required to commit to the school. Student’s will still have the option to compare schools and financial aid packages.

Bonus: Non-restrictive early action (NREA) has no limits or restrictions on how many colleges students apply to.

Early decision (ED) is a binding early decision program process where students apply to college before the regular deadline, usually in November of their senior year. Admissions notifications are sent out in December, and if accepted, the student must commit.

Types of College Admissions

However, while restrictive early action (REA) is a middle ground option for students, there are other types of early decision II programs you should be aware of:

• Early Decision (ED) – Unlike restrictive action, early decision is an early binding plan application. That is, if a student is accepted, they are committed to the school by default,
• Early Action (EA) – Like early decision, this is an early action round program where the acceptance is not binding. That is, if a student is accepted, they can still decide whether they want to attend the school or not.
• Restrictive Early Action (REA) – While a restrictive early action plan is non-binding, students can only apply to one private institution under REA. They are also restricted from applying to early decision schools but can usually apply EA to public schools.
• Regular Decision (RD) – This adheres to standard application deadlines. These dates typically land between early to mid-January. Be sure to check with your school to verify their date(s).
• Rolling Admission (RA) – Students may apply to a school at any time up to a certain date where applications will remain open, and students are admitted until the school fits its program.

As always, be sure to check with your choice(s) of school to verify their deadlines.

Schools That Offer Restrictive Early Action

While students may choose to apply restrictive early action (REA), you should know this is restricted to private schools. The schools that offer REA are Boston College, Harvard University, Georgetown University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Notre Dame University and Yale University.

Pros and Cons of Applying Restrictive Early Action and Early Decision

Students who apply to early action and early decision programs is a strategic move, but it comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of applying REA:

Pros of Applying Early Decision:

1. Higher Chance of Admission:
   • Acceptance Rates: Applying restrictive early action can still help increase your chances of acceptance.
   • Demonstrates Strong Interest: Shows the school that it is your top choice.
2. Decision Early:
   • Less Stress: You will know whether you’ve been accepted, deferred, or rejected earlier in the admissions cycle which allows you to focus on the rest of your senior year without the stress of waiting for decisions.
   • Peace of Mind: Once admitted, early applicants you can sit back and focus on your final year of high school.
3. Potential for Financial Aid Advantages:
   • More Financial Aid Options: Some students feel that applying REA can have an advantage of financial aid packages. Depending on the school, financial aid may be offered based on the policies of that school.
4. Better for Certain Applicants:
   • Clear First-Choice Schools: If a particular school is clearly your first choice, applying early will show your commitment and dedication to their program.
   • Strong Application Profile: If you have a competitive application with high grades, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars, applying early will work to your advantage.

Cons of Applying Early Decision:

1. Binding Commitment:
   • Immediate Commitment: The biggest disadvantage is that ED is a binding commitment. If you are admitted, you must attend that school and withdraw all other college applications. This can be restrictive, especially if you’re unsure about whether the school is the best fit for you.
   • Cannot Turn Back: Once you’re admitted, you can’t change your mind without consequences (i.e., you cannot apply to other schools, and backing out could damage your reputation).
2. Financial Aid Contingencies:
   • Limited Options: If you receive a financial aid package that you are unhappy with, you don’t have room to negotiate because you are committed to attend. This can be a problem if the aid offered isn’t enough or if you hoped for a better package.
   • No Comparing Offers: Since ED is binding, you can’t compare offers from other schools, even if other schools provide better financial aid packages.
3. Pressure to Be Certain:
   • Requires a First-Choice: ED is the best option for students who are 100% certain that a particular school is their top choice. If you're unsure about which college you'd like to attend and want to explore all options, ED is not right for you.
   • Pressure to Commit: There is a sense of pressure to make a permanent decision before you’re ready to when it comes to your education.
4. No Back-Up Schools:
   • Risk of Rejection: If you’re rejected from your school through ED, you will have no opportunity to apply to other schools for that admission cycle because you are bound by the ED agreement. This can leave you with no college options.
5. Not for Everyone:
   • Limited: Early decision programs are not offered nationwide, at all schools. Some schools only offer RD or EA, which may be a better fit if you’re unsure about committing to a school early.

Overall, applying early can boost your chances of acceptance across the board. However, it’s important to weigh these factors carefully before deciding whether REA is the right strategy for you. If you’re uncertain about where you want to go or do, don’t hesitate to speak with your academic advisor about their special academic programs.

Tips for a Successful REA Application

Restrictive early action (REA) can be a good way to increase your chances of getting into your first-choice school while keeping your options open, but it requires a solid strategy. Here are some tips for a successful REA application:

1. Understand the Restrictions

Each school with REA (i.e., Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford) has its own guidelines regarding what other early application plans they allow students to use. Before applying, double-check the school’s specific REA rules to make sure you're not violating any policies that could lead to your application being disqualified.

2. Start Your Application Early

Give yourself time to complete the application. REA don’t typically have an early deadline; deadlines are usually in November which gives you plenty of time to gather recommendation letters, write your essays, etc. before the deadline.

Bonus: be sure to write your essays according to best college essay practices.

3. Showcase Your Best Work

REA applications are often more competitive than regular ones, so it’s important to submit your best work. Highlight your academic strengths, leadership roles, extracurricular achievements, and personal qualities that make you stand out.

Strong letters of recommendation

Ensure compelling accolades from teachers and mentors who know you well and can speak to both your character and potential.

4. Keep Other Applications in Mind

Since REA doesn’t allow you to apply to other schools under early decision, be aware of your other applications and make sure you carefully consider whether you’re truly ready to commit to the REA school if accepted.

5. Assemble a Complete and Polished Application

The smallest mistakes can cost you, so carefully proofread everything—your application, essays, and all other materials necessary before submission. This includes gathering all other components of the application like transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.

6. Stay Organized

The REA process can be stressful, so staying organized will help a huge difference. Don’t rush through the application process—take your time to ensure that each part of your application is well thought out.

Stress can affect your ability to do your best work, so figure out a way to have a good academic to self-care ratio to ensure a smooth process.

7. Be Prepared for All Outcomes

And probably the most important, expect all possible outcomes. In REA, you can be admitted, deferred, or rejected. A deferment means the school is wait-listing your application and will reconsider it under the regular decision plan. If you are deferred, don’t get discouraged. Take the time to fine-tune your application and apply to other schools. During this time, you may have a chance to submit more materials like updated grades or new test scores.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restrictive Early Action

What is restrictive early action?

Restrictive Early Action (REA) is a non-binding college application option that allows students to apply early to only one institution, restricting them from applying early to any other private colleges. REA is also a way for students to show a deep interest in that school while still being open to comparing regular decision offers. Students will receive an early decision without the obligation to commit to the school.

What are the pros and cons of applying early decision?

All non and binding early decision programs have pros and cons that you should consider:

REA Pros and Cons:

• Early decisions
• Flexibility in commitment and comparison
• Demonstrates interest
• Unable to apply to more than one college under REA plans
• Early deadlines leaving not enough time to compose a solid application

ED Pros and Cons:

• Higher acceptance rates
• More time to prepare a compelling application
• Applicants must commit to school once accepted
• Limits student’s abilities to compare colleges and financial aid packages

Do all schools accept restrictive early action?

No, not all schools accept restrictive early action. Only a few highly selective universities offer REA. These schools include Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, and Georgetown University. Each institution has their own rules for REA applicants, so double-check with your school’s admissions protocols before applying.

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