Can I apply Early Action to multiple schools?

[ozzy10fl]

Hi Lisa,

Can one apply to several schools EA? or will this be viewed as unethical and dishonest, since all schools say only apply EA if this is your top choice school? They all give an early deadline for a tuition deposit, so technically if I say no before then, I should be OK? correct?

Thanks in advance,

Ozzy

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Ozzy,

A great question you pose and one that is tough to answer. While the onus is on you to honor the schools' policies on early action, there is nothing that can stop you from applying to more than one school. Where you might get into a sticky situation is if the schools figure out you have done this (not likely, but not impossible) or you are faced with making a decision before hearing back from your other schools. I will tell you that schools will not be happy if you apply early action, are accepted, and then turn them down. However, the consequences are not real clear if you do that. I think you just have to decide if it is worth the risk of being seen as unethical by the schools you apply to for admission.

Good luck,
Lisa