Is Harvard’s early action program binding or non-binding?
I'm currently a high school junior thinking about applying to Harvard and I'm looking at all the different early application options at various schools. When I was looking at Harvard’s website, I saw they offer 'Restrictive Early Action,' but I'm not totally sure what that means.
If I apply early to Harvard and get accepted, am I required to attend? Or can I still consider other colleges if I change my mind? Also, does applying early change my chances for financial aid or scholarships?
Some of my friends are saying that once you apply early to a school like Harvard, you have to go if you get in, but others are saying that’s not true. I'd appreciate some clarification from anyone who has already gone through this process or who knows how it works. Just trying not to make a big mistake! Thanks.
If I apply early to Harvard and get accepted, am I required to attend? Or can I still consider other colleges if I change my mind? Also, does applying early change my chances for financial aid or scholarships?
Some of my friends are saying that once you apply early to a school like Harvard, you have to go if you get in, but others are saying that’s not true. I'd appreciate some clarification from anyone who has already gone through this process or who knows how it works. Just trying not to make a big mistake! Thanks.
2 weeks ago
•
54 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
Harvard’s early application program is called Restrictive Early Action (REA), and it is non-binding. This means that if you apply to Harvard REA and are admitted, you are not required to attend. You're free to wait, compare offers from other schools, and make your decision by May 1st. The 'restrictive' part refers to the rules about where else you can apply early, not about your obligation if admitted. It's also generally considered to be advantageous to one's admissions chances to apply REA.
Here’s how it works: with Harvard REA, you can’t apply to another private college’s early action or early decision program. However, you can still apply to public universities' non-binding early action programs (like the University of Michigan or UNC Chapel Hill) and any college's regular decision round. Let's say you apply REA to Harvard and also to a few state schools on their early timelines. If you’re accepted to Harvard REA, you can compare that offer to those you get during regular decision from other schools before you make your choice.
Applying early to Harvard does not affect your eligibility for financial aid or scholarships. Harvard promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, no matter when you apply. You’ll receive your financial aid estimate with your admission decision (if you apply for aid on time), so you can consider it alongside your other offers.
In summary: Harvard’s REA is non-binding. You can still compare all your college options before choosing where to enroll, and your financial aid opportunities remain unchanged by applying early. If you’re concerned about being locked in, you don’t need to worry—Harvard gives you flexibility.
Here’s how it works: with Harvard REA, you can’t apply to another private college’s early action or early decision program. However, you can still apply to public universities' non-binding early action programs (like the University of Michigan or UNC Chapel Hill) and any college's regular decision round. Let's say you apply REA to Harvard and also to a few state schools on their early timelines. If you’re accepted to Harvard REA, you can compare that offer to those you get during regular decision from other schools before you make your choice.
Applying early to Harvard does not affect your eligibility for financial aid or scholarships. Harvard promises to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, no matter when you apply. You’ll receive your financial aid estimate with your admission decision (if you apply for aid on time), so you can consider it alongside your other offers.
In summary: Harvard’s REA is non-binding. You can still compare all your college options before choosing where to enroll, and your financial aid opportunities remain unchanged by applying early. If you’re concerned about being locked in, you don’t need to worry—Harvard gives you flexibility.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years