This benefits students by reducing the number of applications to be completed at one time, and by providing results early.
It benefits colleges as they generally know what their accepted student pool will look like before the regular admission process begins.
Most colleges that participate in early admission request applications by October 15 or November 1 and return results by December 15.
On September 12, 2006, Harvard University ended its early decision program, a move that had profound effects on college admissions nationwide.
Harvard Dean of Admissions William R. Fitzsimmons explained the move was intended to decrease the privileging of wealthy applicants by the early decision process.