Restrictive Early Action (REA), also known as Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA), is a non-binding college application option that allows students to apply early to just one school. It's a hybrid of Early Action and Early Decision, offering early notification while giving students flexibility to consider other offers. Here's what to know about REA:
Restrictions: Students can't apply EA or ED to other private schools, but can apply to public universities under EA or RD.
Benefits: Students receive decisions earlier, allowing them to compare offers and plan for the future. It also demonstrates a high level of interest to the chosen school.
Obligation: Students aren't obligated to attend if accepted.
Decision timeline: Students typically receive decisions in mid-December.
Impact: REA doesn't show interest as strongly as Early Decision because it's non-binding.
Application components: Essays, recommendations, grades, test scores, course rigor, and extracurriculars still matter the most.
Schools that offer REA: Include Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, California Institute of Technology, University of Notre Dame, and Stanford.
