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Music School Admissions:
Ultimate DIY GUIDE
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Early Decision vs Early Action for music programs—what’s the difference?
Listen to what Dr. Fish has to say
💡 includes a TOP TIP not found in the text 💡
Quick Answer
Early Decision (ED) is binding: if admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications. Early Action (EA) is non-binding: you can keep options open. Music adds prescreens, auditions, and scholarship timelines, so confirm whether ED/EA aligns with your repertoire readiness and financial-aid timing before committing.
Why / How
ED may compress prep time and limit audition flexibility; EA preserves comparison shopping. Some music schools don’t offer ED/EA or apply it only to university admission.
Steps to get it right
- Check whether ED/EA applies to the music unit
- Map prescreen/audition windows vs ED/EA dates
- Ask about scholarship release timing. Choose RD if readiness is uncertain.
FAQs
Q: Can I audition at multiple schools after ED admit?
A: No—ED is binding.
Q: Does EA improve merit chances?
A: It can help, but policies vary from school to school
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