Early Action: How is it different from ED?

<ul style="list-style-type: disc"><li>ED means “Binding”. It means you are fully committed to the school and if accepted, you have to commit to attend and withdraw all other applications. Make sure you choose your ED school wisely and discuss whether it is truly your dream school and you have 100 percent intention of attending if accepted. You cannot say ‘nevermind’ and not attend the ED school as it will impair the relationship between your highschool, counselor, and the university.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" data-font-size="">Deadline for ED schools is normally November 1st. This means colleges will receive the first and foremost round of applicants who are dedicated to the school. Do not wait until the last minute to submit the application, as many students from worldwide are probably going to be using the Common Application.</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" data-font-size="">✉️ Letter of Recommendation: Most ED schools will require up to two (2) recommenders who will speak for your performance inside and outside of class. We normally suggest receiving recommendation letter from someone who has seen you for more than 2 semesters and has seen you grow, and from a class that you actually performed well in. Even if you are besties with your chemistry teacher but you received a C in that class, there are limitations to what the teacher can write about you so think twice before asking recommendation letter. Also, try to get recommendation letter from one of the core subject classes, if possible. (English, Math, Science, History).
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" data-font-size="">✏️ Personal Statement: This is normally the main Common Application 650 word essay. This will be the first piece of writing that the admissions team will be reading about you. We will have a separate post about how to write a personal statement. Even if you’re in a hurry, look for spelling and grammar errors and the paragraphs are organized nicely. Click ‘preview’ to see how the essay will be seen.
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" data-font-size="">📝 Supplemental Essay: Most ED schools will require a supplemental essay to see if you know them properly and to see whether you’re the right ‘fit’. Do your research thoroughly, and make sure it’s more than repeating your enthusiasm for how much you want to attend the school. Look into the department, different opportunities within campus, its unique culture and philosophy, and student life outside of classrooms as well.
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" data-font-size="">🧑🏻 Parent / Guardian Approval: Remember, ED means you have to commit once you’re accepted. That means, your parents have to ‘approve’ through the Common App recognizing that they are aware of the financial commitment that they will need to make upon acceptance. Similar to sending invitation to recommenders, you input your parent/guardian’s name and email address. They will receive ‘approve ED’ email from their end and they will need to electronically approve.
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" data-font-size="">🏫 Counselor Recommendation and Approval : You should have met your counselor at least once or twice, to confirm your ED school. Remember that counselors are humans too and they are prone to mistakes. It is your responsibility to check that counselor has submitted their recommendation and any other documents that need to be officially sent from the school’s end.
<p style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" data-font-size="">💰 Form of Payment: Last but not least, have your form of payment ready. We have experienced some hiccups at the very last payment page. Make sure that you input the address correctly for the card - if unsure, input payment information with your parents/guardian.

Early Decision Checklist for college application round 

Early Decision Checklist 

Back to School Checklist for Sophomores/Freshmen
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<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🏈Explore various Extracurricular Activities that is related to your interests. If there is an open night / introductory night for certain clubs, go at the beginning of the year to see if it suits your interest.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">📓Sign up for AP classes that’s open for Sophomores and Freshman - consult with your counselor beforehand.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🧪Enroll in AP or Honor classes in subjects that you enjoy. It will help in setting the foundation towards possible majors in the future.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🥇Participate in contests and academic competitions. Your subject teachers may announce in class, or research online for any local/regional competitions. It will be a great way to challenge yourself and gain a certain level of recognition for your academic skills. It can range from math competition, science olympiad, science fairs, debate competition, or National History Day, etc.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🧑🏻‍🏫Meet with your guidance counselor! The earlier you get to be familiar with meeting a counselor, the more guidance that you can receive. Utilize the resources around you!</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">📔Read books, articles, and magazines related to whichever areas you are passionate about. The world of ‘biology’ or ‘business, for instance, has so many branches that you want to be exposed to various topics within the subject to gain an idea of the field you’re interested in.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">🍏Aim for high grades from the beginning! Remember that the cumulative GPA that you input into college admission is from Semester 1 of 9th grade. If you’re weak at a particular subject, seek help from parents, mentor, tutor, or online resources to achieve a strong GPA.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">☀️Apply for summer programs related to your academic interests. There are specialized camps catering to Freshman and Sophomores.</li>
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Freshmen checklist, Sophomore checklist for college prep 

Early Action: How is it different from ED?

Early Action: How is it different from ED?

Checklist for Freshmen and Sophomores

Early Decision Checklist