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College Planning & Financial Aid

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  4. In the college application process, what does Early Action mean?

In the college application process, what does Early Action mean?

"Early Action" means that a student who is accepted at a university has until the regular admission deadline (usually by May 1st) to decide whether or not to attend. This is different from "Early Decision", where a student declares a first-choice college and requests that the college decide on his or her acceptance early in the application process (November - January). If accepted, the student agrees to enroll. It is a legally binding agreement between the student and the college.

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