What the Data from 2025 Tells Us

Many of the most selective colleges are now filling more than 50%—and sometimes up to 60%—of their incoming classes through early rounds. In the 2025 cycle, we saw major increases in early applications across highly selective schools:

• Duke, Vanderbilt, and Emory reported double-digit growth in Early Decision applicants.
• Boston College continued to see a sharp rise in Early Action volume.
• Meanwhile, regular decision admit rates dropped to record lows—some in the single digits.

Why this surge in early applications? From the colleges' perspective, early applicants:

• Are more likely to enroll (higher yield)
• Often show greater alignment with the school’s mission or programs
• Allow admissions officers to shape the class before the unpredictable regular round

The result: applying during regular decision now often means competing for fewer spots in a more crowded, more competitive pool.

Who Should Apply Early?

Applying early can provide a strategic advantage—but it’s not right for every student. There are two primary early application types to understand:

Early Decision (ED) is binding and makes sense if:

• Your teen has a clear first-choice college where they feel academically, socially, and emotionally aligned
• Your family is comfortable with the financial aid process and the commitment to enroll if accepted
• Your student’s application—including GPA, test scores (if required), résumé, and essays—is already strong by early fall

Early Action (EA) is non-binding and a great fit if:

• Your teen wants early feedback but isn’t ready to commit to one school
• They’re applying to schools with non-restrictive EA policies (like Michigan, Northeastern, or Purdue)
• They want to reduce stress during the regular decision round by hearing back early

That said, applying early is not always better. If the application is rushed, underdeveloped, or missing key elements, early submission can actually hurt rather than help.

What Needs to Be Ready by October

If your teen is applying early—especially ED—October is the deadline to be ready, not the starting line. Here’s what should be in place by then:

✅ A Finalized College List
Your student should know their Early Decision or Early Action school and why it’s a fit beyond rankings.

✅ A Polished Personal Statement
The Common App essay should be complete, well-edited, and reflective of who your teen is—not just what they’ve done.

✅ School-Specific Supplements
Many early colleges require thoughtful, tailored supplemental essays. These need time and care.

✅ A Strategic Résumé or Activities List
Whether it's a job, internship, club leadership, or creative work, your teen’s experiences should reflect their values and academic interests.

✅ Letters of Recommendation
Teachers should be asked early, with plenty of context about your teen’s goals and achievements.

✅ Test Scores (If Applicable)
If submitting scores, your student should plan to test by September at the latest—and know how their scores compare to the school’s averages.

Early Isn’t Just About Timing—It’s About Readiness

The 2025 admissions cycle made one thing clear: applying early is powerful, but only when it’s strategic.

If your teen has done their research, knows their goals, and has a strong application ready by fall, early can absolutely offer a boost—especially for selective colleges filling most of their class before the regular round even begins.

But if they’re still exploring options, unsure of their academic direction, or need more time to shape their story, that’s okay too. Rushing into an early round can create unnecessary pressure and missed opportunities.



In the end, it’s not just about being early. It’s about being ready—with clarity, confidence, and a compelling application that truly reflects who your teen is and what they hope to bring to a college community.