Early Action Decoded: Is Belmont Right for You?

As college application season approaches, many students are asking important questions: Where should I apply — and when is the right time to do it? 

Before you hit “submit,” it is worth thinking about not just which schools you are applying to, but how you are applying. Most colleges offer multiple application timelines and use various names such as: 

• Early Action 

• Early Decision 

• Regular Decision 

Since each path has its own set of benefits, understanding the difference between application options can help you make a confident choice. Use this article as your guide to understand whether Belmont is right for you— and when is the right time to apply.  

Early Action vs. Early Decision: What’s the Difference?

To apply Early Decision means that if you are accepted, you will agree to withdraw your applications from other schools. This decision is binding, which means that you are committing to that school. Students sometimes choose this route if they are certain a school is their top choice.  

To apply Early Action is non-binding. This means you will still get an admissions decision earlier, without pressure to commit right away. This option is great if you want to keep your options open and apply early.

Options for Applying at Belmont

Everyone has a different timeline for applying to college. Belmont removes some of the pressure by letting you choose which path works best for you.  

 At Belmont, there are three options for applying:  

• Early Action I 

• Early Action II 

• Regular Decision 

Applying Early Action

The difference between applying for Early Action I and Early Action II depends on your availability, as one deadline falls in November and the other in December. Many students choose to apply this way for some key advantages.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

If you are considering applying for scholarships or want to explore your financial options before committing to a college, applying Early Action is a wise decision. When you apply Early Action, there are a multitude of scholarships you could qualify for:  

• Top merit scholarships are competitive scholarships based on outstanding academic, athletic, artistic, or leadership achievements. 

• Departmental scholarships are for specific academic areas and programs of study. 

• General academic merit scholarships are based on overall academic excellence. 

Through Early Action you have a better chance of receiving a financial aid package without having to commit fully to one school. 

Early Admissions Decision

If you want to optimize your time when choosing what college to attend, applying Early Action allows you to receive an earlier admissions decision. This way, you can analyze your options ahead of the game and not feel rushed to commit after receiving your offer, removing some of the pressures during your final semester in high school.  

Residence Life

Applying Early Action allows for ample time to evaluate your living options, roommate selection and learn more about life on campus.  

Applying Regular Decision

Not everyone is ready to apply early – and that’s okay. Many students apply Regular Decision each year and feel confident and ready for their first fall semester.  

Reasons to apply Regular Decision may include: 

More time to strengthen academics

Applying Regular Decision will give you more time if you are waiting to get results from an ACT/SAT or trying to strengthen your academics. This timeline allows you to utilize scores from your fall semester of senior year when you apply.  

More time to explore colleges

Applying Regular Decisions also gives you space to weigh your options and sneak in a couple more campus visits before submitting your apps. You can continue to attend college tours and examine colleges that pique your interest well into your senior year. 

Simply put, Regular Decision allows you time to submit your application when you feel most ready. It is better to apply with confidence than to rush your application if you are not ready.

Whether you are all-in on Belmont, or just beginning to explore your college options, there is an application timeline that is right for you. Taking time to understand your application options is an important step in making an informed decision for your college career.   

If you are still exploring, schedule a campus visit and determine if Belmont is the right fit for you!