Admissions Options
Early Decision
Binding option
Can only apply to one college Early Decision
Apply to other colleges under Regular Decision
Early application deadline
Early application = early decision
Agree to commit and enroll if accepted
Commit and submit enrollment deposit early
Withdraw any other college application(s) if accepted
Only apply Early Decision if 100% positive the college is the one for you
Early Action
Non-binding option
Early application deadline
Early application = early decision
Can apply Early Action to more than one college
Do not have to commit to a college if accepted
Can accept an offer immediately or wait until the deadline to make a decision
Some colleges offer Early Action I and Early Action II - both fall before Regular Decision deadlines
Another Early Action option some colleges may offer is Restrictive Early Action (REA) / Single Choice Early Action (SCEA) > non-binding
Regular Decision
Non-binding option
Most common type of deadline that applies to most applications
Do not have to commit to a college if accepted
Can accept an offer immediately or wait until the deadline to make a decision
Usually receive decision by April but required to respond by May
Rolling Admission
Non-binding option
Colleges accept applications until their programs fill up
Do not have to commit to a college if accepted
Applying late may affect chances of receiving a scholarship, if eligible
Recommended to apply on the same timeline as Regular Decision
Contact Admissions at each college to confirm their offerings, requirements, and regulations.
Typical Deadlines*
*Check college website or contact Admissions to confirm deadline
Early Decision - November 1st, November 15th or December 1st
Early Action - October 1st, October 15th, November 1st, November 15th or December 1st
Regular Decision - January 1st or January 15th
Rolling Admission - Until program fills