Early Action is a great way to apply to colleges you’re sincerely interested in and to get applications out of the way. Applications are usually due on November 1 and 15, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. In this article, we’ve created a master list of schools with Early Action application cycles so you can make the right decision for your educational future.
What Is Early Action?
Early Action is an early application deadline. While Regular Decision applications are usually due on January 1 or a later date, Early Action applications are often due on November 1 or 15. It gives students a way to demonstrate interest in a particular college, get applications out of the way, and get an answer back faster compared to Regular Decision submissions. Some schools also require Early Action applications to apply for their scholarships and grants.
If you apply in November, you should hear back from the school between November and January. You’ll often have until May 1 to make your decision about the college and your attendance.
A handful of colleges also offer Early Action II, which works the same as Early Action I, but with a later deadline. This is usually schools who have later Regular Decision deadlines in the spring or summer.
In most cases, you can apply to as many Early Action schools as you’d like, with one exception. Restrictive Early Action means the application isn’t “binding” like Early Decision – where if you’re accepted, you’re expected to attend – but you can only apply to that particular school under Early Action.
Schools With Early Action
In 2024, for the 2025-26 academic year, we’ve listed over 300 schools in the United States that currently have Early Action deadlines. A few also have Early Action II. Here are a few notes about using this guide:
- Schools often change their admissions policies. It’s always a good idea to check your schools website to verify Early Action deadlines.
- Deadlines are also subject to change at any time. In addition, some colleges could extend deadlines or stop accepting new applications if they received the allotted amount.
- Deadlines vary between schools. While Early Action applications are usually due on November 1 and 15 and Early Action II applications are often required by Jan 1 or 15, this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
- Consider other application cycles. If you need extra time to finish and polish you application, it’s better to wait until Regular Decision deadlines. You can also apply to an Early Decision college if you are positive you want to attend the school.
Use the search or sort functions on this table of Early Action schools to see if your top picks are on the list.
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Always visit your colleges’ websites before applying to get up to date information, deadlines, and more.
Early Action is a fantastic way to reduce your stress during your senior year of college, especially before the holidays. It also highlights your interest in the school and could increase your admission chances. If you can complete your applications before the deadline, you only stand to benefit.
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