College Application Types: REA, ED, EA, RD — What’s the Difference?

Your application timing can influence your admissions outcomes as much as the content itself. Early plans may offer higher acceptance rates or reduced stress, while others provide flexibility—especially if you want to compare financial aid packages. Understanding these options helps you build a smart, personalized admissions strategy.

Application Plan Overview

Early Decision (ED)

Binding: Yes — you must attend if admitted 

How many: One school 

Typical deadline: Mid-October to Nov 1 

Decision: Mid-December 

Ideal for: Students with a clear first-choice school and solid junior-year academics 

Strategic Note: ED often offers the biggest admissions boost; some colleges fill up to half of their class this way.

Early Action (EA)

Binding: No 

How many: Unlimited (unless restricted by REA/SCEA) 

Typical deadline: Nov 1–15 

Decision: Mid-Dec to January 

Ideal for: Students who want early results while keeping all options open 

Strategic Note: EA can reduce stress and help shape your RD strategy.

Early Action and Early Decision Results, Class 2027-2029

Restrictive Early Action (REA)

(Also called Restricted or Non-Binding Single-Choice Early Action) 

Binding: No 

How many: One private school early (public EA is allowed) 

Typical deadline: Early November 

Ideal for: Students aiming for one top private school but not ready to commit 

Strategic Note: Shows strong interest without the obligation of ED.

Single Choice Early Action (SCEA)

(Used at the most selective universities) 

Binding: No 

How many: One private early school (public EA allowed) 

Typical deadline: Nov 1 

Decision: Mid-December 

Ideal for: Highly competitive applicants prepared early 

Strategic Note: Higher acceptance rates than RD, though usually not as high as ED.

Regular Decision (RD)

Binding: No 

How many: Unlimited 

Deadline: Jan 1–15 

Decision: March–April 

Ideal for: Students improving grades or materials senior year 

Strategic Note: Most competitive pool, but offers the longest preparation time.

Quick Comparison Chart

Application Type	Binding?	Multiple Early Apps?	Must Attend if Accepted?	Withdraw Other Apps?
ED	✔️ Yes	❌ No	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes
EA	❌ No	✔️ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
REA	❌ No	❌ Private / ✔️ Public	❌ No	❌ No
SCEA	❌ No	❌ Private / ✔️ Public	❌ No	❌ No
RD	❌ No	✔️ Yes	❌ No	❌ No

Allowed & Not Allowed Combinations

Allowed

• EA to multiple schools + RD

• REA/SCEA + public EA + RD

• REA + RD

Not Allowed

• ED + any other early plan

• ED + REA/SCEA

• SCEA + private EA or ED

• REA + other private early applications

Tip: Always check each college’s specific rules—violating early-application restrictions can lead to disqualification.