Types of Application Deadlines

  • Early Decision  

    In this process, a commitment is made by the student to the institution that, if admitted, the student will enroll. The student may apply to other colleges but only one can be an Early Decision application. It is always recommended that you speak to your counselor prior to choosing this option. You must withdraw all other applications upon admittance.

     

    Early Action  

    This process permits a student to submit an application to an institution of preference and receive a decision well in advance of the normal response dates in the spring.  The candidate is not committed to enroll at that particular institution.  The student may apply to other colleges.

     

    Restrictive/Single Choice Early Action 

    This is a non-binding but exclusive deadline; it works much like the typical Early Action deadlines, except you can only apply to one school this way (“single choice”). Not many schools offer this option, but for those that do, it shows that you’re that much more interested in attending the school (and admission counselors like to see that).

     

    Priority Deadline

    A specific deadline, earlier than the college’s regular deadline, which allows a student’s application to be reviewed and compared only to those who have filed by that priority date.  Decisions are made and the students are notified earlier than students applying under regular admission.

     

    Regular Decision

    There is a specific deadline date for applying.  The student is usually notified of the admissions decision by April 1 or April 15.  The student, in turn, must notify the colleges by May 1 as to whether they will attend or not attend.

     

    Rolling Admission

    The college notifies the applicant of the admission decision as soon as the application has been processed, usually in no more than four to six weeks, and sometimes even sooner.  It is to the student’s advantage to apply early; however, some colleges may defer a decision until they receive seventh semester grades.