Early admission deadlines: Student trends and implications

Trends in early admission applications are examined, focusing on the prevalence of Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) applications, as well as the demographic characteristics of students who opt for these deadlines.

Key findings include:

• From 2014–15 to 2022–23, the percentage of applicants submitting at least one ED application rose from 11% to 13%, while EA applications increased from 45% to 53%.
• First-generation applicants and those eligible for a Common App fee waiver demonstrated notably lower rates of applying early.
• Students from communities with higher educational attainment and median household incomes were more likely to apply early, even when controlling for individual academic performance.

The findings underscore the necessity of targeted outreach and support to ensure equitable access to early admission opportunities for all students, regardless of their demographic background.