How does Harvard Restrictive Early Action work compared to other early application options?

Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action means you can apply to Harvard early, get a decision early, and you are not required to attend if admitted. It is nonbinding, so unlike Early Decision, you are free to compare offers and choose in the spring.

The restriction is that if you apply REA to Harvard, you generally cannot apply early to other private colleges under their Early Action, Early Decision, or restrictive early plans. In plain English, Harvard lets you apply early there, but it wants you to be your only private early application.

You usually still can apply early to public universities with nonbinding early programs, and you can often apply early to colleges outside the U.S. if the program is nonbinding. You may also be allowed to apply early elsewhere if it is required for a scholarship or special academic program.