When you're applying to college, you'll come across these terms called "Early Action" and "Early Decision." They might sound similar, but they mean different things and have different outcomes, especially if you want to major in music. It's important to understand the differences so you can make the right choices for your college applications.

Here's what you need to know:

• Both Early Action and Early Decision have earlier deadlines than regular admissions.
• If you apply through Early Action or Early Decision, you'll find out if you got accepted earlier, usually by mid-December.
• With Early Action, you can apply to as many schools as you want.
• Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning if you get accepted, you have to go to that school.

So, even though the names sound similar, they have different rules and results. Understanding these differences is crucial when deciding how to apply to colleges, especially if you're planning to major in music.

Let's talk about Early Action first: As the name suggests, Early Action applications are due earlier than regular applications. Regular deadlines can be around December 1 or January 15, but Early Action deadlines start as early as mid-October. The cool thing about Early Action is that you can apply to lots of schools ahead of everyone else. It gives you a head start. Another advantage of Early Action is that you get your admissions decisions earlier. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), "students who apply early receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date." This means you have more time to plan for college. With Early Action, you don't have to commit to a school until May 1, which is the national response date. This gives you time to compare financial aid offers and make a decision that works best for you. But here's the catch for music majors: Early Action usually requires you to go through the audition process. Unfortunately, most music programs don't offer early auditions. So, if you want to major in music, it's usually not possible to apply through Early Action.

Now let's talk about Early Decision: Unlike Early Action, Early Decision is binding. It means that if you apply Early Decision and get accepted, you have to go to that school. Before you apply, the college will ask you, your family, and your school counselor to sign a commitment. Early Decision is great if you're absolutely sure about your first-choice college and you're confident you'll get accepted. Like Early Action, you'll find out your admissions decision early, usually in December. One challenge with Early Decision is that you won't hear back from other schools until later in the year. If you get accepted to a different school and change your mind about your Early Decision school, you can't switch. So, you have to be 100% sure about your Early Decision choice. If you're unsure about which school you want to attend, Early Decision might not be the best option. 

Another thing to consider with Early Decision is the financial side. Colleges are less likely to offer you academic or leadership scholarships because they know you've already committed to attending their school if you get accepted. But here's some good news for music majors: Some music departments need specific instrumentalists and vocalists, so they set up private auditions and entrance exams for Early Decision applicants. In fact, some colleges even have specific audition dates for students in the Early Decision process. If you do well in your audition and they need your musical talents, they might offer you a scholarship. So, it's worth checking each college's music department to see what financial aid they offer for Early Decision candidates.

Should you apply early? Applying early can relieve some of the stress that comes with the college admissions process. Early Action gives you until May 1 to decide on a school, which can be a strategic advantage. However, for music majors, it might not be the best plan. Whether you choose Early Action or Early Decision, it shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the schools you're applying to.

If you're a music major considering Early Action or Early Decision, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you have to complete your audition material and financial applications by October of your senior year. Some schools don't schedule early admission auditions, so you may need to take the initiative to schedule your audition early. Be flexible with the audition date they give you, and don't schedule an early audition only to cancel at the last minute because you need more time to prepare. This sends the wrong message to the music department.

While there are advantages to applying early, you have to weigh them against your specific circumstances. The early admissions process works best if you're sure about your dream school(s) and believe you're a competitive applicant. However, make sure you're financially and mentally prepared to commit to that school before you begin the process. Ultimately, it's crucial to do your research. Explore the options available to music majors at each college and university you're interested in. Look into their financial aid policies for Early Decision candidates and compare them to the potential lack of general academic scholarships. Understanding the financial aid opportunities will help you determine the amount of support available to you. 

In conclusion, Early Action and Early Decision can be advantageous for many students, but the considerations are different for music majors. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make decisions that align with your aspirations and goals. Good luck with your college applications!

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