Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA), also known as Restrictive Early Action (REA), is a non-binding college admissions option that allows students to apply early to one selective university, typically by November 1, and receive a decision by mid-December.
Unlike regular Early Action, SCEA restricts applications to other colleges’ early admission programs, although exceptions exist for certain public and international universities. If accepted, students are not required to enroll and generally have until May 1 to decide.