“Early Bird Always Gets the Worm, and Early Applier Gets into Their Favourite College” 

When you’re seeking college admission, being an early applicant can give you a head start in securing a seat at your dream university. Whether through an early action or decision program, jumping early on the application process can give you the time and flexibility to consider your options and make informed decisions, instilling a sense of preparedness and proactivity.

Let us discuss the advantages and drawbacks of early bird admissions and understand the entire process more deeply.

Early Action vs Early Decision - Know Your Options

College applications can be overwhelming, but applying early can help ease a few of your worries. Applying early allows the admissions committee to review your college application keenly, increasing your chances of getting selected.  Early Applications or admissions fall under two types: 

Early Action

Early Action is non-binding, allowing you to choose whether to enrol if accepted or go to another institute. This means you can apply to several colleges and select the one that best suits you. 

Early action also allows you to take advantage of regular admissions. You are expected to receive your offer letter in December or January, giving you plenty of time to make your final choice.

Early Decision

Early decisions are different from regular applications. If students are accepted, they must attend the college they applied to. Early Decision application deadlines are from  November 1st to November 15th, depending on the college’s specific policy. 

Usually, students who apply for early decisions get their offer letters by mid-December. 

If the college of your choice accepts your application, you must withdraw any other applications. 

Unfortunately, if your application is not accepted, you will still have time to apply to other colleges through regular admissions.

How Do Early Birds Admissions Give You an Edge?

When you apply for Early bird admission, your enrollment probability increases. 

Let's consider a few examples. 

In 2018, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation presented an analysis describing that 29% of high-achieving students take early action on their college applications. 

Every year, more than half of the freshman batch in prestigious institutions comprises early admissions. For instance 2018, 13.4% of Harvard's admit rate came from nonbinding early action. Similarly, Princeton enrolled 13.9% of its students through early action the same year. Other prestigious institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Yale also offer early admissions. 

But why are early admissions becoming so popular? Well, certain factors drive the popularity of early admissions and here are a few of them: 

1. Prestigious institutions are more challenging to enrol in due to their ever-increasing enrollment and competitive research programs. Securing a spot becomes more difficult each year, so applying early gives students leverage. 
2. Another benefit of applying to an early decision pool is the preparation time. You have more time to gather the documents, review the SOP, and make it pitch-perfect.
3. The admissions committee would also have time to review your application rather than just skim it.
4. Early admissions save you from the fear of the unknown and unnecessary hassle at the last moment. Since you have your answer by the end of December or the start of the next academic year, you have more time to make the necessary arrangements, like looking for houses, making financial arrangements, or making any bookings if required. It also helps you save from an unwanted gap year, providing a sense of relief and peace of mind. 
5. Given that you get your EA answer before the deadline for regular admissions closes, you have the time to apply to other colleges in case of a rejection.

What Are the Reasons to Apply Early?

Weigh your Pros and Cons

Selecting universities and courses can be time-consuming. Hence, you will have ample time to research the perfect university. Early bird admissions give you that benefit. 

When applying early, you have the time to look into the tiniest details, such as the courses, the admissions process, and the college culture.

Get Your Letter of Recommendation

It would be beneficial to ask your referees early for a letter of recommendation. Your professors have countless other students, and there's a high chance they would also write letters of recommendation for other students. 

Asking them to write your letter early is a wise decision because, at regular times, they might be bogged down with many requests and won't be able to write a good, well-thought-out letter.

More Edge In The Scholarship Pool

Scholarship seats are limited in every institute. Many colleges require their students to be enrolled before they apply for a scholarship. 

At regular times, the scholarship office is flooded with applications, increasing the chances of your application being overlooked. 

With early admissions, you get the edge of less competition in scholarships. This gives the committee time to look at your application more carefully, increasing your chances of securing a scholarship.

Higher Chances of Being Selected

One significant perk of applying early is the high chances of acceptance. Colleges often accept a large number of applicants from early bird admissions. 

This is because the admissions committee has more time to review your applications.

How to Build Your Profile for Early Bird Admissions?

Your portfolio is a testimonial of your dedication, passion, and talent. Although the time available for early bird admissions seems limited, with strategic planning and effort, you can make the most out of it.

Here are some of the strategies that might help you in creating an application that stands out:

Be the Early Bird

One key element of building an attractive profile is starting earlier than others. It is recommended that students begin working on their profile building as early as the first or second year. 

This time frame gives you enough time to explore your passion and relevant interests, develop skills, and engage in activities that further enhance those skills. 

Take on AP Courses 

In your academics, try focusing more on your core subjects and taking as many AP classes as possible. A strong CGPA will build a compelling academic profile for you. 

Although a high CGPA is impressive, your long-term dedication would add more value and sparks to your portfolio.

Participate in Extracurriculars 

Colleges today look for more than just students who are good at what they study. They look for students who are passionate about their careers. Students who can go against the wind to follow their dreams and goals. 

Here’s how you can do that:

• Start working on your dreams early. For example, if you want to pursue a career in communications, you should actively participate in debate clubs or events throughout high school.
• Undertake projects that show your creativity, innovation, and dedication to your future goal. For example, if you wish to become a developer, try developing an app or working on a code in your high school.

Take on Leadership Projects

Try taking on leadership roles in your high school extracurricular activities. 

You could act as the president of a club, captain of a team, or lead in a project. You can also start new projects or take up an initiative, like a club or a drive. 

Volunteer for Community Service

Students can volunteer in activities that bring long-term productive changes in society. For example, you can volunteer at a food bank, tutor some underprivileged kids or serve some time at the elderly centre.

Get Letters of Recommendation Beforehand

Letters of recommendation are the essence of a robust college application. Build strong relationships with your mentors and teachers; these mentors will provide you with the guidance you need throughout high school and write compelling letters of recommendation when needed. 

It is also vital that you seek referees who know you well. This way, the letter will be accurate and detail your growth, skills, ethics, and strengths.

Dates, Deadlines, and Submissions

Strong test scores give a compelling outlook to your college application. Early admissions depend on your junior grades, so try working on your junior grades. And try maintaining a solid academic profile throughout high school and taking AP courses when possible.

Furthermore, you can prepare for the SAT, ACT, or GRE during your junior year, so your last years aren't too stressful. Early preparation also leaves you time for retakes, if necessary.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should be about who you are apart from your grades and extracurricular activities. Craft a personal statement that tells your story how it is meant to be. 

In your personal statement, jot down your goals, aspirations, and inspirations. About what you value and care about the most, and note the traits that make you who you are. Remember your goals. 

Once you have written everything down, connect it with your goals and the college you are applying to. Draft the SoP early and have your mentors review it so you can revise and edit it.

Do Internships When Possible

Summer internships are the perfect way to showcase that you're also good at what you are passionate about. Look for internships that align with your future goals. Or the major you intend to take later in college. 

This will not only help you build a strong network that will be fruitful later but also be an asset for future courses and credits. For example, if you want to take computer science as a major in college, an internship at a tech company can be a strong point in your resume.

Seek Guidance 

You do not have to work on your application alone. Work with a college counsellor to streamline your admissions process.

A college counsellor will help you create a strategic pathway and give you the right guidelines for making an application that will increase your chances of admission.

Practice for Interviews:

Conduct mock interviews with your peers, practice the commonly asked interview questions, and research your school well. Along with all of this, you must be yourself. 

Final Remarks: 

Crafting a standout portfolio isn’t just about getting into any college; it's about getting into the right college. Building a solid foundation for your early application requires focus, determination, and strategic planning. By applying early and taking a targeted approach, you can create a compelling college application highlighting your unique strengths, passions, achievements, and exceptional qualities, effectively conveying your ambitions. If you’re looking for guidance regarding the admissions process, get in touch with the expert counsellors at CounsellingX today!