It’s Early Action Week! What Students (and Parents) Need to Know
For months, you’ve been researching colleges, writing essays, tweaking your résumé, and perfecting your Common App. Now it’s Early Action week.
This is the moment everything comes together. But before you click “submit,” take a deep breath. Submitting early doesn’t just mean you’re done it means you’ve made strategic choices that could shape your college future.
Here’s what every student (and parent) should know before pressing that big blue button.
1. Early Action Isn’t Early Decision Here’s the Difference
Let’s clear this up once and for all:
Early Action (EA) = You apply early, get your decision early, and can still apply to other schools. Early Decision (ED) = You apply early, get your decision early, but you’re committed if accepted.
Why EA matters:
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It shows initiative and interest.
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You get a head start on decisions (usually by December).
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It’s non-binding, so you still have choices.
For many students, Early Action is the smartest way to stay flexible and competitive.
2. Double-Check Every Detail Before You Submit
Before you hit “submit,” run through this Final Early Action Checklist:
Common App sections: Review your activities list, honors, and personal statement. Supplemental essays: Make sure each college’s prompt has been answered directly and personally.
Letters of recommendation: Confirm they’ve been uploaded or requested.
Transcripts: Ask your school counselor to verify they’ve been sent.
Test scores (if applicable): If you’re sending them, double-check the delivery status through College Board or ACT.
Pro Tip: Read your essay one last time out loud. If it sounds natural and confident, you’re ready.
3. Parents: Your Role This Week
This week can be emotional. Your student is finishing one of the biggest steps of their academic life, and your encouragement matters more than you know.
Here’s how parents can help: ❤ Celebrate progress, not perfection. Help organize submission receipts and deadlines. Make sure financial aid forms (like FAFSA and CSS Profile) are on your radar next. Offer emotional support, not editorial control.
This week isn’t about having every answer; it’s about showing up as your student’s calm in the storm.
4. Don’t Panic About Last-Minute Submissions
Every year, students hit “submit” at 11:58 p.m. and still get in. The truth? Admissions officers don’t care when you submitted only that you did it on time.
What matters most is accuracy, completeness, and authenticity. So if you’re still making final edits today take your time. Just make sure you upload everything correctly.
5. After You Submit: What Happens Next
Once your Early Action applications are in, here’s what to expect:
Confirmation emails: Save them they’re proof your application was received.
Decision timeline: Most EA results are released in December.
Stay responsive: Check your email regularly for missing documents or portal updates. Refocus: Use November to work on Regular Decision essays and scholarship applications.
Remember: Early Action isn’t the finish line. It’s just your first big milestone.
Final Words: Celebrate This Moment
You’ve done the hard part you’ve shown up early. Whether your Early Action school ends up being “the one” or not, you’ve taken a confident, strategic step toward your future.
At East Coast Admissions, we want every student and parent to know: this week isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. You’ve done the work now trust it.
Next Steps
Celebrate the submission (yes, that means dessert).
Keep an eye on your college portals for updates. Start shortlisting Regular Decision schools.
Your journey is just beginning but you’re already ahead. 💙