We're breaking down the benefits of submitting your Common App to American University early, and the key differences between Early Decision and Early Action.

With the 2025-2026 application cycle already underway, it is a good time to address a very common question our applicants ask: what is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?

Early Decision and Early Action are two types of admission decision plans, both of which are offered by American University. Early Decision can be broken down into Early Decision I and Early Decision II, which are identical with the exception of their associated application deadlines. Early Decision I and Early Action applicants have an application deadline of November 1. Early Decision II applicants have an application deadline of January 15.

Regardless of which deadline you choose, Early Decision, whether it be I or II, is a binding decision plan, which means that the applicant agrees at the time of application submission to attend AU if they are admitted. For this reason, Early Decision applicants must submit an Early Decision Agreement Form - signed by the applicant, their parent or guardian, and their high school counselor - along with the rest of their application materials. If admitted, Early Decision applicants must withdraw their applications to all other institutions. Early Decision applicants can expect an admissions decision six weeks after the application deadline.

There are some unique benefits of applying Early Decision to AU, including a smaller applicant pool, an automatic application fee waiver, and a need-blind review of application materials. For a comprehensive list of the benefits of applying Early Decision to AU, check out our webpage.

On the other hand, Early Action is a nonbinding decision plan in which applicants apply earlier and receive a decision earlier but still have until May 1 to decide whether to enroll at AU. Students applying Early Action can expect an admissions decision admitting them, denying them, or deferring them to the Regular Decision applicant pool by January 31.

Early Decision is an excellent option for students who feel confident that AU is their first-choice school and who are ready to attend if admitted. For those students uncomfortable with the binding nature of Early Decision, or who want more time to assess their admissions decisions and financial aid awards, Early Action may be a preferable option. Either way, submitting your application to AU earlier is rewarded with earlier decisions from us, which makes it easier to get a head start on future planning.

Need help deciding which decision plan is right for you? Attend our Fall Preview Day on Saturday, October 18! This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about AU and to get a better sense of which application plan best suits your needs. You can also check out the recording from our Applying Early Webinar this past July for more information about the benefits of Early Decision and Early Action plans.