Early Action

Early Action (EA) is our non-binding, early application plan. 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. 

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. These students account for roughly 37% of the incoming class.
  
  

Important Notes

• We ask that admitted applicants respond to their offer of admission by May 1.
• Final test dates accepted for EA are the October ACT and SAT administrations.
• Scores from the November SAT administration may be self-reported.
• Early Action applicants will receive an admission decision of admit, deny, or defer.
• See all deadline and notification dates.

Early Decision vs. Early Action

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.