Early Action vs Early Decision

I'd like to get a head start on filling out college applications this summer. When I submit my application, is there an advantage for me to use the early action or early decision options? -- Curious
Answer: Be aware, first of all, that most colleges do not use the early action or early decision options. Colleges usually have a deadline for submitting an application sometime in the fall or winter. Then you may get their decision in early April.
In recent years, most public colleges and many private ones have been using what is called rolling admissions. You submit your application and then are given a decision on your admission within two to six weeks. You may be admitted, not admitted or placed on a waiting list. There is quite an advantage to applying to colleges with rolling admissions: You are not on edge waiting to know if you have been admitted or not admitted to a college. Those who are placed on the waiting list are students who are not the strongest candidates for admission. They may or may not be admitted later on depending on the strength of the applicant pool.
With both the early action and early decision options, which are used primarily by private schools, your application has to be submitted in the early fall. With early action, you hear their decision in early January but may wait until May to tell the college whether you will accept. With early decision, you also hear the college's decision in early January. It may be to admit you, not to admit you or to delay the decision until spring, along with all the regular applicants for spring decision. If you are admitted, you must commit to going to that college. If you use this option, you should be very sure that you wish to go to that school. Currently, there is the belief that there is an admission advantage to applying under an early application plan.