1. 1. Early decision (ED)

Early decision is binding. This means 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.. Early decision deadlines are often in November, and students are typically notified of the decision in December.

1. 2. Early action (EA)

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 obvious 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.

1. 3. Rolling Admissions

The idea behind rolling admissions is that it offers a large application window for students — sometimes six months or longer — and that colleges respond to applicants as the applications come in instead of waiting until after a particular deadline (although sometimes rolling admissions periods do have deadlines)

1. 4. Regular Decision (RD)

Regular decision is the normal process by which students apply by published deadlines, with promise of receiving an admissions decision no later that April 1 of their senior year. Some colleges will give admissions decisions well before April 1, but the student is under no obligation to make a decision about whether to attend until the common response date of May 1.