Early Action

Early Action (EA) is a non-binding early application option with a November 1 deadline and mid-January decision notification. Under our Early Action plan, students apply early and receive an admission decision early, but are not committed to enroll if admitted. Furthermore, applicants are permitted to submit early round applications to other institutions.

While it does not provide the same admission advantage as Early Decision, applying Early Action allows students to receive an early decision and meet the December 1 deadline for the Richmond Scholars Program, the university’s largest merit scholarship.

Deadlines & Notifications

Date Deadline/Notification
November 1 Admission application due. After applying, students will receive access to their Spider Portal, which will allow them to check the completeness of their application and upload selected application materials.
November 15 Need-based financial aid application due.
December 1

Final credentials deadline: all items on Application Checklist must be on file for consideration. Applications that are incomplete as of December 1 will be deferred automatically to Regular Decision.

All Early Action applications automatically considered for Richmond Scholars.
January 23 Approximate notification date of admission decision. Presidential Scholarship recipients notified.
February 15 Approximate date of financial aid notification.
May 1 Enrollment confirmation and deposit due; per University policy, all enrollment deposits are non-refundable.
July 1 Final high school transcript due ASAP or no later than July 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Why apply Early Action?
    • By applying under a non-binding plan, you’re able to keep your college options open. This allows you the freedom and flexibility to compare all of your college offers and financial aid packages before making a final decision.
    • You’ll hear back from us by mid-January, which means you’ll have plenty of time to determine if Richmond is the right fit for you.
    • Historically, Richmond’s acceptance rate in Early Action has been higher than in Regular Decision. This year, these students account for roughly 19% of the incoming class.

  • What’s the difference between Early Action and Early Decision?

    The primary difference between Richmond’s Early Decision and Early Action plans is that Early Decision is binding (students must enroll upon acceptance), whereas Early Action is non-binding (students have until May 1 to enroll, if they choose). While both plans confer the benefit of receiving an admission decision earlier, the Early Decision pool is smaller and, historically, has a higher acceptance rate.

    We welcome you to contact us if you have any questions. Regional admission counselors are happy to help you consider which plan is the right option for you.

    See a list of Early Action application requirements.

  • When do I need to respond to my Early Action acceptance?
    Admitted applicants must respond to their offer of admission by May 1.

  • What is the latest standardized test date you will accept for Early Action?
    Final test dates accepted for Early Action are the October ACT and SAT administrations. Scores from the November SAT administration may be self-reported.

  • What are the possible decisions if I apply Early Action?
    Early Action applicants will receive an admission decision of admit, deny, or defer. If you are deferred, you may opt in to have your application reconsidered in Regular Decision; you cannot switch your plan to Early Decision after deferral.