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The decision to apply early admission to a university can be a difficult one for many high school students. Princeton University’s Dean of Admissions, Janet Lavin Rapelye, answered this question in a Q & A session with The New York Times.

There are typically two types of options for students who are thinking of applying early. Early decision programs are binding, meaning that if the university decides to accept the student, he or she must attend and withdraw applications sent to any other schools. Colleges typically only recommend this route if the student is absolutely sure that this is the school they wish to attend and if the amount of financial aid received will not be an influential factor in their decision to attend a particular school.

Early action is the second option for students who are applying early. This application process is not binding, and students are welcome to apply to multiple schools – and multiple early action programs – at the same time. The plus side of this option is that students can compare the different offers and financial aid packages side-by-side before making a decision, and many universities give the student until the spring (along with the regular applicant pool) before making a decision.

There are several factors that should be considered by students who are thinking of applying early decision or early action. The smaller applicant pool must also be weighed against the fact that the earlier deadline means the student has less time to prepare the application, gather recommendation letters, write personal statements, and, if need, retake the SATs. In addition, early decision processes are “binding” – meaning that if the university accepts that student, he or she must attend. On the other hand, for students who are sure that a particular school is their number one choice, going through the early decision or early action process can be a great way to showcase to the school that the applicant is a serious contender – someone who is “putting all his eggs in one basket,” if you will.

Although Princeton University’s early action program is “single-choice” (meaning that students who choose to apply early can only apply to that program), it is non-binding, meaning that if students are rejected or deferred to the regular applicant pool, they are free to apply to other colleges. Rapelye made a point of debunking the common myth that applying early helps a student’s chances of getting into the university: because students who apply to early decision or early action programs are “self-selected,” it can be just as competitive – or even more competitive – than the regular applicant pool. Students who apply at this stage are often very qualified and confident in their credentials. Rapelye made a point of noting that early decision and early action programs are not for everyone, and that students should consider all relevant factors before deciding to apply early.

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