Only a few highly selective colleges offer Restrictive Early Action (REA), also called Single Choice Early Action (SCEA). REA allows you to apply early but limits where else you can apply during the early round.
Restrictive Early Action is a non-binding early application program with restrictions. You apply by an early deadline (usually November 1), receive your decision in mid-December, and can accept or decline the offer. Unlike Early Decision, REA doesn't require you to attend if admitted.
The "restrictive" part means you cannot apply Early Action or Early Decision to other private colleges, though you can apply early to public universities.
Only five schools currently use Restrictive Early Action:
These are the only schools in the United States with this policy.
Regular Early Action (EA):
Restrictive Early Action (REA):
While applying REA, you can still:
Apply Early to Public Universities. You can apply Early Action to public state schools like University of Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill, or Georgia Tech.
Apply to Rolling Admissions Schools. Schools with rolling admissions (which are technically always "early") are allowed.
Apply to Schools With Early Scholarship Deadlines. If a school requires an early application only for scholarship consideration, you can apply.
Apply Regular Decision Anywhere. After submitting REA, you can prepare and submit Regular Decision applications to private colleges.
While applying REA, you cannot:
Apply Early Decision Anywhere. ED is binding, so it's prohibited with REA.
Apply Early Action to Other Private Schools. You can't apply EA to other private colleges until after the REA decision is released.
Apply to Other REA/SCEA Schools. You can only apply REA to one school.
These three schools use "Single Choice Early Action" (same as REA):
Stanford's policy is similar but with slightly different language. Stanford calls it "Restrictive Early Action" instead of "Single Choice," but the restrictions are nearly identical to Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
Notre Dame offers REA with similar restrictions to the Ivies and Stanford. You cannot apply Early Decision or Early Action to other private schools, but you can apply early to public universities.
According to publicly available data, REA acceptance rates at these schools are typically 2-3 times higher than Regular Decision rates. For example, Harvard's REA rate might be around 8-10% while RD is around 3-4%.
However, REA pools include recruited athletes, legacies, and extremely qualified applicants. Higher acceptance rates don't mean REA makes admission easier for all applicants.
Apply REA if:
Don't apply REA if:
Perfect Your Application. REA schools are among the most selective in the country. Your test scores, grades, essays, and activities need to be exceptional.
Time Your Testing. Complete SAT or ACT by October to meet November 1 deadlines. Scores from November tests usually arrive too late.
Have Backup Plans. You can apply Regular Decision to other schools, so prepare those applications while waiting for your REA decision.
Research Other Schools. Even if admitted REA, you're not required to attend. Research and apply to other schools that interest you.
Admitted: You can accept the offer or decline and attend elsewhere. You have until May 1 to decide.
Deferred: Your application moves to Regular Decision. You can now apply Early Action to other private schools or Early Decision II elsewhere for their second round.
Denied: You cannot reapply that year, but you're free to pursue other options.
REA is non-binding, so you can compare financial aid offers from multiple schools. If admitted REA, you'll receive a financial aid estimate in December but can wait to see other offers before deciding in May.
Applying to highly selective schools through REA requires exceptional preparation. At LifeWorks, we help students develop strong test scores, maintain excellent academic performance, and craft compelling college essays that showcase who they are. Get in touch to learn how we can support your college application journey.
Can I apply REA and EA to public schools?
Yes. You can apply REA to one of the five schools that offer it AND apply Early Action to public universities. Public schools are not restricted under REA policies.
What's the difference between REA and SCEA?
Nothing meaningful. Some schools call it Restrictive Early Action (REA) while others call it Single Choice Early Action (SCEA). The policies are essentially identical.
If I'm deferred from REA, can I apply ED II elsewhere?
Yes. Once you're deferred from REA, the restrictions lift. You can apply Early Decision II to another school for their January deadline.
Can I apply REA to one school and ED to another?
No. REA policies prohibit applying Early Decision anywhere else. You must choose between REA and ED, but not both.
Does applying REA help my chances?
REA acceptance rates are higher than Regular Decision, but these pools include recruited athletes and exceptionally qualified applicants. Apply REA because the school is your top choice, not just because of acceptance rate differences.
What happens if I violate REA restrictions?
Violating REA restrictions can result in admission rescission from all schools involved. High schools and colleges share information about early applications, so violations are usually discovered.
