Decision Types & Deadlines

What is a Decision Type?

Nearly every school has multiple decision types when applying. The most popular are Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions, and Restrictive Early Action (REA)/Single Choice Early Action. Let's explore each of them in a little more depth.

Early Decision (ED)

Typical Deadline Dates: Nov 1, Nov 15

At its most basic, Early Decision means that you are applying by a certain date and telling that school that if they accept you, you will be attending that school. This decision is binding! Students are only able to apply to one school as Early Decision in the Fall. This should be your top choice school, and a place that you are incredibly confident you would attend, if accepted. 

You can and should absolutely be applying to other schools as you await this decision, but students must withdraw any other applications once admitted to an Early Decision school. Early Decision applications can be deferred, releasing you from the binding agreement and allowing you to move forward with other applications. Please note that applying to a school Early Decision may increase the odds of you getting into that school, but it also comes with a very high commitment early on in the application process.

Early Decision (Binding) might be best for students who:

Have visited the school (multiple times)

Know they want to attend that school

Can afford to pay for that school

Plan to apply to highly competitive schools and do not meet every requirement necessary

Early Action (EA)

Typical Deadline Dates: Oct 15, Nov 1, Nov 15, Dec 1

Early Action is a non-binding option that rewards students who submit their applications early in senior year by allowing them to receive an admission decision early in the application process. While Early Decision applicants will typically hear decisions in October or November, Early Action applicants will typically hear decisions in December or January.

Early Action might be best for students who:

Have a strong academic record through junior year

Have completed all testing requirements prior to August or October of senior year

Are highly organized and completed all paperwork early

Will continue strong academic performance through senior year

Are prepared to get ahead, and put their best applications together early in senior year

Regular Decision

Typical Deadline Dates: Jan 1, Jan 15, Feb 1

The most common deadline that students choose, Regular Decision is an appropriate deadline for most students. Decisions are typically released in March or early April, and students usually have until May 1 to choose the college they plan to attend.

Decisions are released at different times depending on the school. Be aware that some schools do not notify their regular decision applicants until late March of the senior year. It all depends on the school, and the strength of your application.

Rolling Decision

Typical Deadline Dates: Ongoing

Colleges with Rolling Admissions review applications as they are received and continue making admission decisions until all spots are filled. Decisions are often available a few weeks after you submit your application.

 While there may not be a single application deadline, it's still in your best interest to apply early. Submitting your application sooner can improve your chances of receiving scholarships, financial aid, and preferred housing. Scholarships and grants (the free money you don't pay back) are available on a first come, first served basis!

Restrictive Early Action (REA)/Single Choice Early Action

Both of these early application types are uncommon, but do exist. Specific restrictions and guidelines vary by college. Essentially, students apply Early Action but are granted other special permissions depending on the school. For example, a private school may dictate that a student can apply to other public schools under their Early Action plan, but may not apply to other private schools. You can expect these types of applications from highly competitive schools like Harvard, Yale, and Notre Dame. Read carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re unsure, ask your school counselor for help!