The Ultimate ED/EA Checklist for Parents
— A Practical Guide to Preparing for November 1 and November 15 Deadlines —
Applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) can be a powerful way to increase your child’s chances of admission while also showing strong interest in a university. Many families choose this path because it allows students to move ahead with their application strategy. But because deadlines are early and requirements are detailed, even a small oversight can cause unnecessary delays or missing documents.
This checklist is designed to help parents oversee the entire process, ensuring that every step is carefully completed. It is written to be clear, practical, and easy to follow.
1. Understanding ED and EA
- Early Action (EA): Students apply and receive decisions early, but they are not obligated to enroll if admitted. Most colleges allow multiple EA applications, though some use restrictive policies.
- Early Decision (ED): A binding commitment to attend if accepted. ED should only be chosen if the student is absolutely certain about their first-choice school. Families should run a financial aid simulation and discuss affordability before committing.
- Deadlines: Typically November 1 or November 15. All documents must be submitted and uploaded by the deadline.
Parent check-in questions:
- Is this truly your child’s first-choice school?
- Would acceptance create any financial strain on your family?
- Are there conflicts between EA and ED (for example, single-choice EA restrictions)?
2. Reviewing the Common Application
Basic information
- Confirm that all sections—personal, family, education, testing, and activities—are complete.
- If required by the college, make sure the Courses & Grades section is filled out accurately.
- Double-check that each college’s supplement reflects the correct major and application plan (ED/EA).
Essays and supplements
- Ensure the Personal Statement is polished for clarity, tone, and within the 650-word limit.
- Review all college-specific supplements (“Why College,” “Why Major,” and short answers) for authenticity and detail.
- Check formatting after pasting essays into the application. Use the Preview PDF function to confirm paragraph spacing and text alignment.
Parent check-in questions:
- Does the essay sound like your child’s authentic voice?
- Does it clearly connect to the values, programs, or opportunities of the target college?
- Have you previewed the final PDF to ensure formatting hasn’t been lost?
3. Recommendations and School Reports
- Confirm that the counselor recommendation, school report, and school profile have been uploaded.
- Check that teacher recommendations are properly assigned and submitted, and that they highlight strengths connected to the teacher’s subject.
- For ED applicants, ensure the ED Agreement (signed by student, parent, and counselor) is uploaded.
Pro tip: The Common App can be submitted before recommendations are uploaded. Colleges will receive them once they are submitted, so don’t delay the application waiting for recommenders.
4. Transcripts and Test Scores
- Official transcripts must be sent from your child’s high school (and from any dual-enrollment college courses).
- SAT/ACT/AP/IB scores should be self-reported in the Common App.
- Most colleges do not require official score reports, but Georgetown University is an exception and does. Always confirm requirements on each school’s website.
- For test-optional schools, make sure your child’s decision to submit or not submit scores is marked correctly. This choice usually cannot be changed later.
Parent check-in questions:
- Do the self-reported scores match the transcript data?
- Has your child chosen the right test-optional strategy based on their profile and the college’s score ranges?
- Have you checked each college’s portal for official score requirements?
5. Final Review Before Submission
- Use the Preview PDF to check for typos and formatting issues.
- Save copies of all essays, activities, and honors lists in a separate document for future reference.
- Submit applications with enough time to avoid last-minute technical or payment errors.
6. Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Gather required documents: parent tax returns (last two years), W-2 forms, and information on non-taxed income and assets.
- Submit the FAFSA and, if required, the CSS Profile by each college’s priority deadline.
- While many merit-based scholarships don’t require FAFSA or CSS, some universities (e.g., Virginia Tech, Fordham) still do.
- Check if your child’s colleges require separate applications for institutional scholarships.
Pro tip: For ED applicants, use the Net Price Calculator on each college’s website to estimate your financial aid package in advance. Make sure all reported income and assets are consistent across FAFSA, CSS Profile, and the college’s portal.
7. After Submission
- Save confirmation emails from each college.
- Create and log into each college portal to monitor missing documents. It may take 5–7 days for portals to update.
- Encourage your child to keep grades strong—first semester performance will still matter for both ED/EA and Regular Decision.
- Continue working on Regular Decision essays and applications in case your child is deferred or denied.
8. Commonly Overlooked Details (Parent Checklist)
- Correct application plan (ED/EA) selected in each supplement
- ED Agreement signed and uploaded (if applicable)
- Courses & Grades completed for colleges that require it
- Final essay formatting checked in the PDF preview
- Teacher recommendations submitted and confirmed
- Transcripts sent from both high school and dual-enrollment colleges
- Test-optional choice confirmed for each school
- FAFSA/CSS deadlines noted and required documents ready
- College portals checked for missing items
- Draft Regular Decision essays started
9. Suggested Timeline
- 3 weeks before deadline (D-21 ~ D-14): Finish essays and supplements; begin feedback revisions.
- 10 days before (D-10): Confirm recommendation status, transcripts, and Courses & Grades entries.
- 7 days before (D-7): Final proofreading and essay formatting check.
- 3 days before (D-3): Test payment system and internet connection.
- Deadline day (D-1 ~ D-0): Submit during the day (not late at night). Save confirmation and activate the portal account.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should my child wait until recommendations are submitted before sending the application?
A. No. The application can be submitted first. Recommendations will attach automatically once they are uploaded.
Q. How should we decide on test submission for test-optional schools?
A. Compare your child’s scores with the school’s middle 50% range. If the score strengthens the application, submit it. If not, consider withholding. Most schools don’t allow changes after submission.
Q. Is financial aid weaker for ED applicants?
A. Need-based aid policies are generally the same, but remember ED is binding. It’s essential to evaluate financial fit beforehand. Use Net Price Calculators for clarity.
11. Final Advice for Parents
- Quality matters more than speed—but don’t risk a late submission.
- Keep records of all submissions, confirmations, and emails.
- Encourage your child to ensure their essays reflect their authentic voice.
- A small habit of double-checking now can save your child major stress later.
Supporting your child through this process may feel intense, but with careful attention to details, you can help them move forward with confidence. Wishing you and your student a smooth ED/EA season.
Thank you so much.
If you need personalized guidance, I’m here to help.
📞 470-253-1004
📧 andy.lee@eliteprep.com
🌐 Elite Prep Suwanee Website
🎥 www.youtube.com/@andyssamTV
Andy Lee
Elite Prep Suwanee powered by Elite Open School
1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127
Suwanee, GA 30024
