Early Decision (ED) is a binding college admissions process where you commit to attending the university if accepted. You apply early in your senior year (typically by November 1) and receive a decision by mid-December. You can only apply to one school under ED and must withdraw all other college applications if admitted.

Early Action (EA) is a non-binding college admissions process. Students apply earlier than usual—typically by November 1—and receive an admissions decision by mid-December. Because it is non-binding, you are not obligated to attend if accepted, and you can still apply to other colleges.

Regular Decision (RD) is the process where schools review applications and release decisions continuously (usually within 4 to 8 weeks of receiving your materials) instead of holding all responses for one big release day.

Rolling Admission (RA) means the application window stays open until the incoming class is full rather than having a single hard deadline. You can typically apply anytime, though applying early is highly recommended to beat the competition.

Restrictive Early Action (REA), also known as Single-Choice Early Action, is a non-binding college application plan. It allows students to apply early to one top-choice institution (typically by November 1) and receive a decision by mid-December, while prohibiting them from applying to other private schools' early programs.

More info about Application Types (ED, EA, RD, Rolling)

Common App (CA) Use one application for 700 institutions across the country  (and the world).

Common Black App (CBA) Created to aid lower-income families in getting into college, the Historically  Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Common App allows students to apply to half of the nation's historically black schools with a single application fee.

The Coalition Application for Access, Affordability, and Success for 113 institutions was developed to improve the college application process for all students as they search for and apply to their perfect college.

Institution Applications

SuperMatch on Naviance

Big Future

College Vine

College Raptor

Collegexpress

College Navigator

College Search Quiz by Niche.com 

College Visits

Maryland's Academic Common Market (In-State Tuition for Select Out-of-State Programs not offered at a Maryland institution.)

List of Maryland Colleges and Universities

Colleges: SAT/ACT Optional

Colleges with Strong Learning Support Services for Students Who Have Disabilities

4-Year Colleges that Respect the B/C Student

Transcript Request Process

Resume Template

How to write a High School Resume for College Admissions

High School Activity Tracker helps students keep track of clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities participated in at RM or within your local community. Monitor your involvement over time using this straightforward spreadsheet.

How to Request a Teacher Recommendations

RMHS Brag Sheet

Parent Input for Student Recommendations

Advice on Ideal Number & How to Get Them

Personal Statement

Supplemental Essays

Essay Brainstorm Worksheet

Essay Tips

First Year Essay Prompts 26-27 on Common App

8 Tips for Crafting Your Best College Essay

Personal Statement & College Essay Examples

Writing The Personal Statement-  Also see Examples, Advice from Admission Officers, and Top 10 Rules and Pitfalls.