S4E22: Applying Early to College (When It Helps—and When It Hurts)

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of the college application process: applying early.

Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), and Restrictive Early Action (REA) each offer different opportunities—and different risks. And while the internet might tell you that applying early boosts your chances, the truth is more complicated.

We’ll walk you through what these application types actually mean, how colleges use them strategically, and why those higher admit rates aren’t as simple as they seem. We’ll also talk about when early rounds can hurt your application—and how to decide if applying early is right for you.

We’re in your corner. And as the 2025-2026 admissions cycle heats up, we’ll be here with the clarity you need—every step of the way.

We want to hear from you. What questions do you have about essays, resumes, or building your strategy? Drop us a DM—we’re in this together.

Visit www.admittedly.co for more insights and support.