Yesterday, Harvard and Princeton both announced that they would be reinstating their Early Action application programs. This is TERRIFIC news for students! The acceptance rate of early action applicants is higher than regular decision applicants. The trick is, of course, being ready, willing, and able to apply early.
Working with a college planner is immensely helpful with this. Teens (and their parents!) are not known to be the best time managers. Having a planner on their side gives students a game plan and accountability, not to mention encouragement and the occasional pointer/course correction.
Harvard and Princeton both cited inclusion of minority applications (that includes low income students) as part of the rationale for both ending and restarting this program. No matter the truth of the matter, there is a definite opportunity for these student populations.