Application Types

College Application Types

Colleges offer a variety of options to submit applications. Admission plans vary in terms of application deadlines, response times, and the level of commitment required from the student. For each school you are applying to, be sure to check their website for the types of admission plans they offer, and what their specific deadlines are.

It’s best to submit your applications as early in the process as possible to enhance chances for admission, scholarship and financial aid.

Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

Rolling Admission

• Deadline: No fixed deadline; applications are reviewed as they are received.

• Response Time: Usually within 4–8 weeks.

• Binding?: No

• Key Features:
  
  

  • First-come, first-served basis—it's better to apply early.

  • Allows flexibility and less pressure.

  • Some programs may fill up early despite the later final deadlines.

Early Action (EA)

• Deadline: Typically Nov 1 or Nov 15.

• Response Time: December or January.

• Binding?: No
  Key Features:
  
  

  • Apply early and get an early response.
    You can apply to multiple schools EA.

  • You have until May 1 to decide.

Early Decision (ED)

• Deadline: Typically Nov 1 or Nov 15.

• Response Time: December.

• Binding?: Yes

• Key Features:
  
  

  • If accepted, you must attend and withdraw other applications.

  • Ideal if you have a clear top-choice school.

  • You can apply to only one ED school.

  • May improve chances slightly due to demonstrated interest.

Early Decision 2 (ED II)

• Deadline: Typically in January (same as regular decision).

• Response Time: February.

• Binding?: Yes

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A second chance for students who didn’t apply ED I or were rejected/deferred.
    Same commitment as ED I.

  • Useful if you decide late in the process that a certain school is your top choice.

• choice.

Regular Decision

• Deadline: Typically January 1-15, though that may vary

• Response time: late March to early April.

• Binding?: No

• Key Features:

  • Gives time to improve grades (includes first semester senior year)

  • Refine your application and essays

  • Take or retake standardized tests

Restrictive Early Action (REA) / Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA)

• Deadline: Typically Nov 1.

• Response Time: December.
  Binding?: No (but restrictions apply)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Non-binding like EA, but you can’t apply early to other private colleges.

  • Public university EA applications are usually allowed.

  • Used by highly selective schools (e.g., Stanford, Harvard).
    Meant to show strong interest without the commitment of ED.