Below is a detailed description of the types of application options available. Be sure to read each college's policies carefully and consult with your school counselor if you have any questions.
This is the most common type of deadline. Regular decision college application deadlines are typically January 1, January 15, or February 1. All students are then notified of the colleges' decisions on a uniform response date, typically on or before April 1. Regular decision applicants may apply to as many colleges as they like.
Early action is non–binding. This means you are not bound to attend if you are accepted. You may also apply early action to multiple colleges. Early action deadlines usually fall at the same time as early decision. The advantage of early action over early decision is the opportunity it gives you to apply to, and ultimately compare financial aid packages from several schools. Some schools are now designating themselves as "single choice" or "restricted" early action, meaning your application is still non-binding, but you can only apply to one school early action.
Early decision is binding. If you are accepted through early decision, you are committed to attending that school, and will withdraw any applications you may have submitted for the regular deadlines at other schools. You may not apply to more than one college under early decision. If you are not accepted, you will either be rejected or deferred. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered during the regular admission period, and are free to apply to other schools. Early decision deadlines are often in November, and students are typically notified of the decision in December.
This is the date you application must be received to be given the strongest consideration.
Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. Schools will continue to evaluate applications until they've filled all the slots for their incoming class.
An admission policy whereby the college admits all applicants.