Early vs. Regular Decision: Does the Importance of Test Scores Make a Difference?

There are significant differences between applying through Early Decision and Regular Decision, but the one that we are focusing on is the importance of test scores when applying ED or RD - is there a difference? Before we answer that, let’s have a quick run-through of ED versus RD, shall we? 

Early vs. Regular Decision: A Quick Run-Through

Early Decision is used for students who have firmly decided on a school and are 100% ready to enroll if given an offer. ED deadlines usually take place in November, and students can expect to get an answer from their chosen school around December - much sooner than Regular Decision applicants. Early Decision applications are considered obligatory. Applicants who are offered a seat are expected to rescind all other applications to other schools, are required to sign a binding agreement (e.g., the Early Decision Agreement on the Common App), and must submit a matriculation fee once they have received their offer.

Regular Decision, on the other hand, is for students who are not fully committed to one school, but have chosen to cast their nets wide to a number of colleges. Applicants of Regular Decision are not applying in the early round, and follow the regularly scheduled deadlines. Regular Decision deadlines typically begin around the end of November and continue through the start of January. Regular Decision applicants generally receive an answer between mid-March and the start of April. Regular Decision applications are never binding, allowing students to accept or reject offers as they see fit.

Now that we have that recap out of the way, let’s get back to what we’re really here to discuss: the importance of test scores when applying through Early and Regular Decision - do test scores really make a difference?

Early Decision and Test Scores 

We know the obvious benefits for applicants who choose to go the ED route: ED applicants are first round applicants, which means that they get a chance to get in front of Admissions before the Regular Decision applicant pool. They are headmost to display their college profiles as well as their eagerness and commitment to attend. In turn, Admissions see ED applicants as serious contenders worthy of consideration since they are more than likely to enroll if given an offer. So, what more do ED applicants need to show? These wunderkinds have clearly shown a higher level of maturity, allegiance, and passion to furthering their education through this chosen school - do they really need to submit test scores in order to stand out?

Well, for star athletes, perfect GPA holders, future Rhodes Scholars, and the like - maybe not (although it wouldn’t hurt). Those applicants would probably be able to get accepted to any school of their choosing by simply blinking in that school’s direction. But, for most ED applicants, submitting a good test score will only make it easier for them to be selected. You know our mantra at CCP: a strong ACT® or SAT® score can make a huge difference in helping students stand apart on their college application. And, for ED applicants, that statement still rings true. Just because a smaller margin of students apply during the ED round does not make it less competitive; ED students need to stand out. So, even if you have a client who is a star athlete/perfect GPA holder/future Rhodes Scholar, you’ll still want to encourage them to submit their scores to give their application even more of a boost. 

Regular Decision and Test Scores 

Regular Decision is typically the most flooded round, as most students choose to follow the standard application deadlines. Inevitably this also makes it a much more competitive round.

For example, for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, the entering class at Northwestern University was admitted at an ED acceptance rate of 25% versus a RD acceptance rate of 9%. Comparably, the entering class at Johns Hopkins University was admitted at an ED acceptance rate of 29% versus a RD acceptance rate of 9%.

At this point in the admissions cycle, the Early Decision round is complete and the class has already been partially filled, which leaves Regular Decision applicants jockeying for the remaining seats. 

Additionally, by the Regular Decision round, Admissions has a much more difficult job in not only discerning which applicants should fill the remaining seats, but also who is most likely to enroll if accepted. All of these factors mean that RD applicants need to put their best foot forward to make sure that their applications garner the attention they deserve. The best way to do that? You guessed it: submitting a solid test score!

No matter the school’s stance on standardized admissions tests (i.e., test optional, test flexible, test blind), a good test score is never ignored. In fact, we here at CCP continue to laud the numerous benefits of submitting solid test scores. High test scores can not only earn applicants admission, but also financial advantages (e.g., merit scholarships, financial aid, and/or awards based on academic performance).

Experts agree that test scores can play a major role in college admissions. In a recent interview for U.S. News and World Report, former Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University and Georgetown University, Christine Chu noted, in regards to test-optional schools, “admissions officers still want to see test scores if possible.”

Furthermore, it’s well-documented that applicant readers are struggling to keep up with today’s flooded applicant pools. In fact, Admissions teams are having to modify the way in which they review applications, with very little time allotted to each applicant. That said, test scores make for quick metrics for Admissions. In just a moment, a high test score can catch the eye of an application reader and show that that applicant has what it takes to succeed at their school.

At Clear Choice Prep, we understand from experience the significance and importance of high test scores for college-bound students. Whether applying though ED or RD, test scores matter. We are dedicated to helping you and your test-prep business provide the best support for your clients. Our 100% custom-branded, white-label ACT® and SAT® test-prep curriculum can offer you just that. Interested? Request a free demo and see for yourself how CCP can help supercharge your test prep!