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Restrictive Early Action (REA) Explained

REA (Restrictive Early Action), sometimes called Single-Choice Early Action, is a non-binding but "exclusive" college application process. It is a middle ground between the flexibility of Early Action and the intensity of Early Decision.

What is REA?

When you apply to a school via REA, you are telling them: "You are my absolute top choice among private universities."

The "Restrictive" Part

If you apply REA to a school, you generally cannot apply to any other private university’s early programs (Early Action or Early Decision).

The "Action" Part

Unlike Early Decision (ED), REA is non-binding. If you are accepted, you are not legally required to attend. You still have until May 1st to compare financial aid packages and make your final decision.

Common Exceptions

Most REA schools still allow you to apply early to:

  • Public Universities (e.g., University of Michigan, UVA, Georgia Tech), as long as it is non-binding.
  • International Universities (e.g., Oxford or McGill).
  • Rolling Admission schools.

Schools That Offer REA (2025–2026)

Only a small group of highly selective universities use this model. Below are the primary schools that currently offer REA or Single-Choice Early Action:

School

Type of Policy

Notable Rule

Harvard University

Restrictive Early Action

Cannot apply to other private EA/ED schools.

Stanford University

Restrictive Early Action

You may apply to public schools early.

Yale University

Single-Choice Early Action

Very strict; prohibits other private early apps.

Princeton University

Single-Choice Early Action

Limits early applications to other private schools.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Restrictive Early Action

Restrictive as of 2022.

University of Notre Dame

Restrictive Early Action

Allows EA to other schools, but no binding ED.

Georgetown University

Early Action (Restrictive)

You cannot apply to a binding ED program elsewhere.

Why Choose REA?

  • Demonstrated Interest: It sends a powerful signal to colleges that they are your #1 pick.
  • No Financial Risk: Because it isn't binding, you can walk away if the financial aid isn't enough:a luxury you don't have with Early Decision.
  • Earlier Peace of Mind: You typically receive your decision by mid-December, allowing you to enjoy your winter break (or pivot your strategy for January deadlines).

The Trade-off

The biggest downside is the opportunity cost. By choosing REA at Stanford, for example, you give up the chance to apply Early Action to other great private schools like MIT, UChicago, or Northeastern.

When you REA a place like Stanford University, you are choosing to block yourself from using Early Decision at schools where the early round can actually move the needle for a borderline applicant, like Duke University, University of Pennsylvania, or University of Chicago. 

That is the opportunity cost people conveniently forget to mention when they romanticize “early” at the most selective schools on Earth. 

If you are not a slam dunk, the strongest play is often ED to a slightly less selective dream school where your application is more likely to benefit from that binding commitment, instead of treating REA like a lottery ticket you buy because it feels brave.

Most Get Deferred 

REA schools (especially the Ivies) are notorious for deferring a huge chunk of their early pool rather than rejecting them.

Important Loopholes 

Most families do not notice because they never read the policy language carefully: there's a scholarship exception. 

Many REA policies explicitly allow early applications elsewhere if the early deadline is required for a merit scholarship or honors program! 

That means a student might be able to REA Yale University and still apply on scholarship timelines for major money opportunities like the University of Southern California Trustee Scholarship or the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia. 

This is not some sneaky workaround, it is usually allowed in the fine print, and it can matter a lot for students who need to keep financial options open.