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Early action. Early decision. Regular decision. Rolling admissions. If you're a high school senior, you've probably heard all of these terms, and maybe a few myths about them too. Let's clear things up by debunking five common myths about applying early action.

Myth #1: Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) are the same thing.

They share an early deadline, but that's where the similarity ends.

Early Decision is binding. If you're admitted, you've agreed to enroll. It's a good fit for students who already know exactly where they want to go.

Early Action is non-binding. You can apply early, hear back early and still take until the national confirmation deadline of May 1 to decide where you'll enroll.

At ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, we offer non-binding Early Action only. We don't have an Early Decision option, so applying early never locks you in.

Myth #2: Applying EA makes your application more competitive.

Not at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ. Applicants who meet our EA deadline get the same consideration as those who meet our Regular Decision (RD) deadline. Our holistic review looks at your whole application, so applying EA means you get your answer sooner, not that you're more likely to be admitted.

Some schools do report higher acceptance rates for early applicants, so it's worth asking why. Does that school review early applications differently? Or are early applicants simply a stronger group on average? The answer tells you whether applying early would actually help you there.

Myth #3: Applying early automatically makes your application look better.

This is a myth. If you began high school with some shaky academics, but then really started to pick up the pace in your junior year, the admission committee might request that you submit your mid-year grades during your senior year before making a final admission decision. This gives admission counselors a chance to see more of your improvements and academic capabilities, and with a holistic review process at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, those academic improvements can speak volumes.

Myth #4: Merit scholarships are only available for students who apply early action.

We hear this one a lot, and it's not true at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ. Students who submit all required application materials by either our EA or RD deadline are automatically considered for scholarships based on the strength of their application. No separate form, and no race against the calendar.

Myth #5: If you're deferred, you've been rejected.

Deferred isn't denied. If you apply EA, you may be admitted, deferred to Regular Decision, waitlisted or denied. A deferral simply means we'd like to take a closer look, often with additional information such as your mid-year grades. Deferred students may not receive a final decision until April 1, so plan accordingly, and keep your counselor in the loop.

One more tip: Ask the right questions

Every school handles early applications a little differently. At a college fair or on a campus visit, ask:

• Does your institution review applications differently depending on when they're submitted?
• What advantages are there to applying early, and would applying later put me at a disadvantage?

Admission counselors will give you honest answers. It helps them as much as it helps you.

Ready to apply?