How many colleges should I apply to by early admission?

Senioritis: Applicants who learn early that they have been accepted into a college may feel that, their goal accomplished, they have no reason to work hard for the rest of the year. Early-applying students should know that colleges may rescind offers of admission should their senior-year grades drop. read more

If you think you'll be ready to apply by the early action deadlines (generally November 1st), and you don't want/need the extra ~1-3 months to write essays, get recommendations, and/or improve your application, I'd day apply early to as many schools as possible. read more

About 450 colleges offer early admission plans. Under these plans, students can apply to colleges early — well before the usual deadline — and get a decision early. Some students who apply under these plans have a better chance of getting in than they would through the regular admission process. read more

If you apply early decision, you’ll typically be submitting your application in November and should receive an admissions decision by December, before the application deadlines for most colleges. If you’re accepted to a school that you apply to early decision, you have to attend. read more