If you want to keep your options open and still get admitted early, consider applying for an early action acceptance.
Early action is the most flexible way to apply early. You can usually apply early to other colleges. If you are accepted, you are not required to attend.
Almost all early action policies allow applicants to apply to other schools for early or regular admission decisions. A few highly selective schools, however, employ "restrictive" or "single choice" early action policies. With these programs, students who apply early action are not allowed to apply early decision or early action elsewhere.
If you decide to apply for an early action decision, your application deadline will probably fall in November or December. Many students applying early action start working on their applications during the summer before their senior year. You will need to complete all your standardized tests no later than October of your senior year.
Applying early might relieve you of some anxiety, especially if you get accepted. However, it adds stress to your fall semester—when you should be focusing on your grades. And it makes no sense to apply to colleges you know little about. Do the research to be sure your early action colleges have the academic, campus, and social qualities you want. Also, if you don't meet a college's admissions standards, applying early won't help. You are better off improving your grades and applying for a regular decision.
Suppose You Don't Get Accepted?
If a college does not accept you under early action, you may still have a chance to get in. The college may automatically add you to its regular admission application pool. If it does not, you are free to reapply by the regular admission deadline. Check the admission policies of each college you're interested in.
Many colleges provide other options to shorten your time waiting for a decision. Some schools have "rolling" admissions, which means they accept applications all year until their class fills, and usually send decisions within a few weeks of receiving your application. Some schools offer "second round" early action programs that let you apply by the regular deadline but get your answer sooner than normal.
Watch Out for "Fast Apps"
Some colleges send applications with your information partially filled in. They may promise an immediate decision. Apply only if you know the college is a good fit for you.