And in contrast to some Early Decision colleges, at Harvard students do not increase their chances of admission by applying Early Action. A student admitted Early Action has until May 1, as do all admitted students, to accept his or her place in the entering class. Secure in the knowledge they have one college option, students admitted Early Action share all the advantages of Regular Action applicants. This freedom to choose a college over an extended period of time may account in part for Harvard's graduation rate, which, at 97 percent, is the nation's highest. Students admitted Early Action have the option to compare a variety of financial aid offers if they choose to apply to other colleges during their senior year.
Financial aid can be a decisive factor in choosing a college.
All of Harvard's aid is need-based. Students admitted Early Action can compare their financial aid awards with those from other institutions, some of which offer financial incentives beyond need-based aid. Since more of our top candidates now apply early, Harvard has, in effect, been admitting its students on a slightly different timetable in recent years. For any individual student, the final admission decision will be the same, whether the student applies early or regular. Early Action applicants have, on average, stronger admissions credentials than regular applicants.