It's no secret that the college competition at some schools can be fierce. Some people who, one would think, would get right in have trouble because there are so many people applying for the same few spots, and they are all very qualified.

If you want to get an edge on the college competition, though, there are things that you can do. One of the best choices you can make to get that college entrance edge is to apply early. Many colleges allow a person to do that, and when you do, you can do it in one of two ways. You can say that you will definitely attend that college if you are accepted and financial aid is adequate, or you can say that you might attend that college but are applying to others as well.

If you have a specific plan for a specific college and that is the only one that you want to attend, you should go with a definite action plan for that college, but only if you're certain. It's binding, so if that college accepts you and financial aid is adequate, you have to go there.