Common Terms

Early Decision: A process where you apply early (often by November 1st) and, if you are accepted (often by mid-December), you must attend that school. This is a binding agreement!

Early Action: A process where you apply early (often by November 1st) and receive an earlier admissions decision (often mid-December). If you're accepted, you have until the regular decision date (May 1st) to decide if you want to attend the school or not. This is non-binding!

Regular Admission: Most common kind of college admission. Schools have a specific deadline for all of the applications, typically between November and January.

Priority Date: The final date for applicants to submit a complete application, and all supporting documents to receive the strongest consideration for acceptance to the college.

Major: A specific subject area that students specialize in.

Minor: A secondary area of specialization beyond a college major.

Double Major: The act of pursuing two majors, with both typically falling under the same degree.