Honing in on REA, EA, and ED Release Dates

The college admissions process can be a rollercoaster of emotions, deadlines, and decisions. Two terms that often pop up in discussions about early applications are REA (Restrictive Early Action), EA (Early Action), and ED (Early Decision). Each offers students the chance to submit their applications ahead of regular decision deadlines, but they come with their own set of rules and timelines.

What is REA?

Restrictive Early Action is a non-binding early application option that allows students to apply to a college early and receive their admissions decision earlier than regular decision applicants. However, the "restrictive" part means that applicants are usually limited to applying to only one REA school. This is different from Early Action (EA), which typically allows students to apply to multiple schools.

What is EA?

Early Action, unlike REA, is a non-binding early application option that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and receive their admissions decisions early. It provides the benefit of getting an early decision without the commitment that comes with Early Decision. Students have the flexibility to compare offers from different schools before making their final decision.

ED: A Commitment

On the other hand, Early Decision is a binding agreement. If you apply ED to a college and are accepted, you are obligated to attend that institution and withdraw all other college applications. It's a significant commitment and should only be chosen by students who are sure about their top-choice school.

Release Dates Matter

Once you've submitted your REA, EA, or ED application, the next hurdle is the agonizing wait for the decision. The release dates for these decisions vary from college to college, but they generally fall in December. Some colleges release decisions in the early part of the month, while others wait until the middle or end. It's crucial to check the specific release dates for the schools you've applied to.

Tips for the Waiting Game

  • Stay Busy: Distract yourself with hobbies, schoolwork, or other activities to keep your mind off the impending decision.

  • Prepare for Multiple Outcomes: While optimism is great, it's wise to be prepared for any outcome. Have a plan in place for acceptance or rejection.

  • Connect with Peers: Reach out to friends or online communities going through the same process. Sharing experiences can help alleviate some stress.

  • Celebrate the Achievements: Regardless of the decision, remember that completing the application process is an accomplishment in itself.

Whether you've chosen REA, EA, or ED, the release date of your admissions decision can be a nerve-wracking experience. Understanding the terms and conditions of these early application options is crucial, and preparing for the potential outcomes can make the waiting game a bit more bearable. Best of luck to all the prospective college students out there—you've got this!

Here is a list of some universities and colleges REA/EA/ED release dates for the 2024 cycle:

  • American University - ED I: by December 31, ED II: late January 2026, EA: mid-February 2026

  • Amherst College - ED: mid-December

  • Barnard College - ED: mid-December

  • Bates College - ED I: by December 20, ED II: mid-February 2026

  • Baylor University - ED: by December 15, EA: by February 1

  • Boston College - ED I: December 15, ED II: by February 15

  • Boston University - ED I: December 15, ED II: February 15

  • Bowdoin College - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • Brandeis University - ED I: December 15, ED II: early February

  • Brown University - ED: mid-December

  • Caltech - REA: December 12

  • Carnegie Mellon University - ED I: by December 15

  • Colby College - ED I: on or before December 15, ED II: on or before February 15

  • Colgate University - ED I: December 12, ED II: mid-February

  • Colorado College - ED I: December 11, EA: January 8, ED II: February 12

  • Columbia University - ED: mid-December

  • Cornell University - ED: mid-December

  • Dartmouth College - ED: mid-December

  • Duke University - ED: mid-December

  • Emerson College - ED I: mid-December, EA: mid-December, ED II: early February

  • Emory University - ED I: December 15, ED II: by February 15

  • Fordham University - ED I: by January 1, EA: by January 1, ED II: February 15

  • George Washington University - ED I: late December, ED II: by late February

  • Georgetown University - EA: by December 15

  • Georgia Tech - EA I: mid-December

  • Harvard University - REA: mid-December

  • Harvey Mudd College - ED I: December 15, ED II: February 15

  • Haverford College - ED I: December 15, ED II: early February

  • Johns Hopkins University - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • Lehigh University - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • Miami University - ED: December 1, EA I: by December 15

  • Middlebury College - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • MIT - EA: mid-December

  • New York University - ED I: December 15 EST, ED II: February 15

  • Northeastern University - ED I: January 1, EA: by February 15, ED II: by March 1

  • Northwestern University - ED: mid-December

  • Oberlin College - ED I: by December 15, EA: January 15, ED II: by February 1

  • Penn State University - EA: by December 24

  • Pomona College - ED I: by December 15, ED II: by February 15

  • Princeton University - SCEA: mid-December

  • Purdue University - EA: January 15

  • Rice University - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • Rutgers University - EA: January 31

  • Sarah Lawrence College - ED I: late December, EA: late December, ED II: early February

  • Skidmore College - ED I: mid-December, ED II: by mid-February

  • Stanford University - REA: mid-December

  • Swarthmore College - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • Texas A&M University - EA Engineering: mid-December

  • Tufts University - ED I: mid-December, ED II: by early February

  • Tulane University - ED I: November 26 at 5pm ET, EA: by January 10, ED II: by February 15

  • University of Chicago - ED I: mid-December, EA: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • University of Georgia - EA: December 12 at 4pm ET

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - EA: January 30

  • University of Maryland - EA: by February 1

  • University of Miami - ED I: mid-December, EA: late January, ED II: by late February

  • University of Michigan - ED I: December 24, EA: January 30

  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill - EA: February 20

  • University of Notre Dame - REA: December 16, 6:42pm ET

  • University of Pennsylvania - ED: mid-December

  • University of Richmond - ED I: around December 12, EA: around January 23, ED II: around February 13

  • University of Rochester - ED I: mid-December, ED II: early February

  • University of San Francisco - ED: mid-December, EA: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • University of Texas at Austin - EA: January 15

  • University of Vermont - ED I: late November, EA: late December, ED II: February 5

  • University of Virginia - ED: December 15 5PM EST, EA: by February 15

  • Vanderbilt University - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • Villanova University - ED I: November 24, 4:30pm ET, EA: by January 20, ED II: by February 15

  • Virginia Tech - EA: Late February

  • Wake Forest University - ED I: Rolling, EA: by January 15, ED II: around February 15

  • Washington & Lee University - ED I: December 20, ED II: February 1

  • Washington University in St. Louis - ED I: December 12, ED II: by February 13

  • Wellesley College - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • Wesleyan University - ED I: mid-December, ED II: mid-February

  • William & Mary - ED I: early December, ED II: early February

  • Williams College - ED: by December 15

  • Yale University - SCEA: December 17, 5pm ET

Hafeez Lakhani