For some high school students deciding where to apply to college is stressful enough, but what about when to apply? Many colleges offer various application deadlines — Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision and more — but it is important to know the details of each before you decide which one is right for you.
To get started and keep track of each school’s admission policies and deadlines — they all differ — create an Excel or Google spreadsheet. You don’t want to be surprised or overwhelmed as the dates approach.
Download our tips about when to apply to college!
Here are the details of various application options:
Early Decision (ED) I and II. If you are absolutely positive that you want to attend a particular school, Early Decision may be a good option.
- Binding. ED is a binding contract, meaning that if admitted, you are stating that you will attend the ED school. You cannot apply Early Decision to more than one school and if you are admitted you would need to withdraw any other applications you have submitted.
- Acceptance notification. You will receive an admission decision earlier than Regular Decision candidates, usually mid-December.
- Financial aid. You will be considered for merit and need-based aid, but you cannot compare your package to another school because you cannot apply ED to more than one school.
- Test scores and grades. In most cases, you can still take the SAT/ACT in October to improve your scores before decisions, but be sure to check in with the school about when scores need to be received by. Many schools will still want to see your senior grades.
- Application deadlines:
- ED I: usually by November 1 or November 15
- ED II: second chance to apply early decision with a later deadline
Early Action (EA) I and II. Early Action is a good option for students who want to apply early to more than one school and compare financial aid packages.
- Non-binding. You can apply to other schools and you are not obligated to attend the school if admitted.
- Acceptance notification. You will receive an admission decision earlier than Regular Decision applicants. EA I is usually mid-December and EA II is about eight weeks later.
- Financial aid. You will be considered for merit and need-based aid and you can compare your package to another school.
- Test scores and grades. You can still take the SAT/ACT in October to improve your scores before decisions. Many schools will still want to see your senior grades.
- Application deadlines:
- EA I: usually by November 1 or November 15
- EA II: second chance to apply early, usually in January
Restricted Early Action. Also known as Single-Choice Early Action, Restricted Early Action is similar to Early Action I and II except you may not apply ED or EA to other private schools. In some cases, you can apply EA to a public college whose admission is non-binding.
Regular Decision. The good news is that Regular Decision is not nearly as complicated as applying early. And oftentimes, if you don’t have a clear first choice school or need more time to boost your GPA, applying Regular Decision may be best for you.
- Non-binding. You can apply to as many schools as you like.
- Acceptance notification. You will typically receive an admission decision in March or April.
- Financial aid. You will be considered for merit and need-based aid and you can compare your package to another school.
- Test scores and grades. You can still take the SAT/ACT in October to improve your scores before decisions. Many schools will want to see your senior grades.
- Application deadline: Usually the beginning of January.
Rolling Admission. Some schools review and decide upon applications as they are received. Technically there are no submission deadlines or decision dates, but it’s always good to apply early before space is full. Be sure to check each school’s policy surrounding priority deadlines for admission or scholarships.
Download our tips about applying to college here
No matter when you plan to apply, start early in regard to letters of recommendation, standardized testing, personal and supplemental essays and campus visits. It’s important to be prepared and to make sure you have all of your materials ready. And remember, do what is best for you: Just because your friends are applying early, it doesn’t mean that you have to!
