Types of Application Deadlines in The United States

There are many different options when it comes to submitting your college application. Each school varies in the admissions cycle(s) it offers, and each student should decide when to apply based on their individual needs and goals. To find out what admissions options a college offers, check the school’s website or speak with an admissions officer at the institution. You will want to consider the following application timelines, including their pros and cons.

Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision is a good choice for students who have selected a definite top-choice college and can submit a compelling application early in the process. Students may only apply to one school ED (although you may often simultaneously apply to another school, Early Action, with the exception of schools that are Single-Choice Early Action, as well as to schools with regular and rolling admissions policies), and the application is binding, meaning the student must attend if admitted.

• If a student is accepted under ED, he or she must withdraw all applications to other schools. Applying to ED is also a good way for students to show demonstrated interest, and admission rates tend to be higher in the early application round compared to the regular decision round.

• ED applications must be submitted in their entirety, usually on November 1 or November 15. Early Decision applicants are usually notified of their decision in December and can be either accepted, denied, or deferred to the regular decision round.

  • Some schools additionally offer an ED2 option for students who know that a particular college is their top choice but are not ready to apply by November. For ED 2, the same rules apply, but the deadline and notification dates are later than the ED I dates.

Early Action (EA)

EA is not binding, so an offer of admission doesn't mean you must enroll. You may apply to other schools simultaneously. Given this, EA is a good decision for students who have decided that they definitely want to apply to a particular school and who are ready to submit their applications in November.

• Students who apply for EA will hear in December if they have been accepted, denied, or deferred to the regular decision round.

• Like ED, applying to EA is an excellent way to show demonstrated interest, and EA admission rates tend to be higher than those in the regular round.

Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA)/Restricted Early Action (REA)

SCEA or REA is similar to EA in that students are not bound to attend if accepted. However, with the SCEA restriction, students cannot apply early to any other school, be it EA or ED, until they have heard back from their SCEA school. Some Ivy League and other highly-selective schools use this early-round option.

• This is a good option for students who are ready to apply to a school they really like but don't necessarily want to be bound by the decision. However, students should be sure they do not want to apply early elsewhere, as they will not be able to do so.

Regular Decision (RD)

Regular Decision means that applications must be submitted by a set date in your senior year, usually January 1 or 15, or February 1. The college then takes action on all the applications and notifies all students of admissions decisions simultaneously. Notification dates are in the spring of the senior year, usually around April 1. If accepted, you must notify the college by May 1 of your intent to accept or decline their offer of admission.

Rolling Admissions (RA)

Colleges that use rolling admission assess and act on an application as soon as the application file is submitted in its entirety. Usually, the college will notify the applicant of an admission decision within weeks of receiving the completed application. The deadline for this type of admission is usually May 1. These schools will usually continue to accept students until they reach their capacity enrolment; therefore, it is best to send in your application as early as possible.