Application Options

Application Options

Purpose

There are many different application options from which to choose in this process. You should be aware of the differences between Early Decision and Early Action before sending in your applications. The exact rules may vary somewhat by college. Check with your guidance counselor to make sure you and your parents understand your rights and obligations.

*Early Decision plans (ED) - The ED plan is binding, which means you agree to attend the college if it accepts and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges through the regular admissions process. If you are accepted by your ED college, you must withdraw all other applications. Usually, colleges insist on a nonrefundable deposit well before May 1.

*Early Action plans (EA) - The EA plan is not binding. If you have been accepted, you can choose to commit to the college immediately or wait until May 1, the universal reply date. Under the EA plan, you may also apply early action to other colleges, but please check college websites for additional restrictions.

*Single-choice early action - This is a new option offered by a few colleges. This plan works the same way as other early action plans, but candidates may not apply early (either Early Action or Early Decision) to any other school. You can still apply to other schools under the regular decision plan and are not required to give a final answer until May 1.

*Regular admissions - This option is the standard route taken by applicants who apply by the deadline published by the school. Typically, you will receive a decision in the last few days of March or first few days of April. While this seems like a long time away, trust us, it will be here before you know it. Applying regular admissions keeps your options open and allows you to consider all your acceptances.

*Rolling admissions - This option by colleges considers each student’s application as soon as all the required credentials have been received (i.e. application, test scores, transcripts, etc.). The college usually notifies applicants of its decision without delay.

Tips for ED and EA options:

Applying to an ED or EA plan is most appropriate for a student who:

• has researched colleges extensively;

• is absolutely sure that the college he/she is applying to early is a first choice;

• has found a school that is a strong match academically, socially, and geographically.

Applying to an ED or EA plan is not appropriate for a student who:

• has not thoroughly researched and visited colleges;

• is applying early just to avoid stress and paperwork;

• is not fully committed to attending the schools to which he/she is applying;

• is applying early only because friends are;

• needs a strong senior fall semester to bring grades up.