Keep in mind:
1. We have the same review process during Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD). The early process is not easier at UVA.2. Interest isn't a factor (this is non-binding EA, after all), so an early application is not seen as a statement about your intent to enroll at UVA.
3. The results of an early application could be admission, denial, or deferral.
Successful Early Action applicants usually have transcripts that show consistently strong work across the core subjects. My suggestion is to look at your final report card from 9th, 10th, and 11th grades side-by-side. If you can say that your program builds nicely and your grades are consistent, Early Action might make sense for you. Of course, having time to write well-crafted essays is a consideration and you have to have given your counselor/teacher plenty of time to write wonderful recommendation letters!
Regular decision would be best for a student who needs more time to complete a thoughtful application or for whom one fall semester grades would be very helpful. There are so many scenarios where RD makes more sense then EA - rebounding grades, school changes, and the list goes on.
Early Action = transcript shows 9th-11th grade work and senior courses
Regular Decision = transcript shows 9th-11th grade work and fall grades in senior courses
This is an area where there is definitely some conflicting advice. I fear that students listen to the advice of people who have never worked in our office or who are confusing UVA with another school on this issue. For UVA, you need to submit your application at a peak moment in your high school career.
As always, I'm happy to answer questions in the comments,
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| Don't rush! Early might not be the best route! |