1.   Regular Decision

• Due between early January and mid-February

• Admission decisions sent between mid-March and early April

• Note:  University of California's deadline is November 30; University of Texas's deadline is December 1.

2.   Early Decision

• Binding application

• Can only apply to just one school 

• Must accept attendance to the Early Decision school

• Submit by November 1/15 and receive a decision by December 15

3.   Early Action

• Non-binding application

• Can apply to multiple schools

• Submit by November 1/15 and receives a decision by December 15

• Can still wait until May 1 to make a decision

4.   Early Decision II (ED2)

• Binding application

• Can only apply to just one ED2 school, along with other regular decision schools

• Once admitted, you must withdraw application to all other school, and accept attendance to the ED2 college

• Submit by January 1 and receive a decision by February 15

5.   Rolling Admissions

• Mostly large, state universities

• Can submit an application throughout the year, and receive a decision within 4-6 weeks