With Early Action (EA) deadlines fast approaching — and in some cases moving earlier than ever — staying organized is critical. This month, we’re sharing the most important admissions updates, highlighting national EA deadlines, and giving special attention to the changes in Florida public universities.
National Early Action Overview
Most U.S. colleges with Early Action keep their deadlines in mid-October through mid-November. Applying EA can:
- Boost your chances at selective schools (non-binding advantage).
- Put you in the running for priority scholarships and housing.
- Deliver admission decisions earlier, easing stress.
Key EA Deadlines Nationwide
Here are some schools (outside Florida) with October 15 deadlines — earlier than many realize:
- Clemson University – October 15
- University of Georgia (UGA) – October 15
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) – October 15
- University of Texas at Austin – October 15
- Virginia Tech – October 15
Other popular EA schools with later deadlines:
- University of Michigan – November 1
- Indiana University Bloomington – November 1
- Purdue University – November 1
- Boston College – November 1
- University of Chicago – November 1
- Georgia Tech – November 1
- Northeastern University – November 1
- MIT – November 1
Many more across the country fall between November 1–15.
Tip: Double-check every school’s admissions website — some use terms like “Priority” or “Preferred” instead of EA, but the effect is often the same.
Spotlight on Florida Schools
Florida’s public universities have shifted their calendars earlier, giving students less time to prepare but rewarding those who apply quickly.
Florida Early Action / Priority Deadlines
- Florida State University (FSU) – October 15 (EA for FL residents), materials due Oct 22
- University of Central Florida (UCF) – October 15 priority deadline
- Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – October 15 EA, decision by Dec 5
- University of Florida (UF) – November 1 EA
- University of South Florida (USF) – November 8 priority deadline
- University of North Florida (UNF) – November 1 priority deadline
Why this matters: Applying EA at Florida schools can influence scholarship eligibility, honors college consideration, and housing priority.
Action Steps for Students
- Create a deadline tracker. Mark each school’s EA or priority date and the materials deadline (transcripts, recommendations, test scores).
- Finalize essays early. Don’t wait until October to finish — essays are the biggest bottleneck.
- Send test scores now. Even though they are sent electronically, some schools require receipt before EA review.
- Request transcripts and recommendations ASAP. Counselors and teachers are busy this season.
- Apply before the deadline. Systems crash — avoid the last-minute panic.
We’re here to help. If you’d like a custom EA deadline calendar tailored to your college list, reply to this newsletter and we’ll prepare one for you.