Yes, there are 7 types of college admissions! Students and their parents need to take the time to understand what each type means and how it can impact their college admissions and financial aid opportunities.

1. Early Decision (ED)

  • The application deadline is typically between October 15 and November 15. Visit each college’s website to confirm the due date.

  • You are notified by mid-December as to whether you were admitted, rejected or deferred to a Regular Decision (RD) round.

  • If admitted, the decision is binding. You must attend and must withdraw your applications from all other colleges. Usually, you will be required to give a non-refundable deposit well in advance of May 1.

  • Some colleges have 2 Early Decision deadlines – ED I, and ED II. The terms and conditions for both are the same as mentioned above. The only difference is that while the ED I application deadline and notification date are the same as ED, the ED II application deadline is January and the notification date is mid-March.

College Career Consulting Tips:

  • Colleges prefer that you apply early because it shows demonstrated interest. If you meet or exceed the admission profile for the school, you’ve extensively researched colleges and concluded that this is your first-choice college, ED is the route for you.
  • Make sure your college profile is above par by the end of the junior year since you will not be able to rely on your senior year classes/grades to improve your profile.
  • For those doing ED or ED I, make sure you submit your FAFSA close to October 1st so that if accepted, you can receive a financial aid award letter in December.
  • Use the college net calculator to estimate whether the college will be able to meet 100% of your financial need. Note, that once you’re accepted, you will not be able to compare financial aid packages with other colleges.

2. Early Action (EA) I and II

  • The application deadline is typically between October 15 and November 15.

  • Students are notified by mid-December as to whether they were admitted, rejected or deferred to an RD round.

  • Non- binding if accepted which means you can apply to other colleges.

  • You have until May 1 to make your final decision.

College Career Consulting Tips

  • Colleges prefer that you apply early because it shows demonstrated interest, which works in your favor.
  • If you have a stellar application and do not feel the need to rely on your first-semester senior year grades and activities, this route is better than EA and Regular Decision (RD)
  • One big advantage is that if you rise above the college’s requirements, EA can often score you merit scholarships that are not always available to RD students.
  • If accepted, you can enjoy your senior year as well as shave off time and expenses by not having to submit more applications.
  • If rejected EA gives you more time to evaluate options and apply elsewhere.

3. Regular Decision (RD)

  • Applications are due between January 1 and 15.

  • You are notified by late March as to whether you’re admitted, rejected or placed on a waitlist.

  • You have until May 1 to make your final decision.

College Career Consulting Tips:

  • If you need to boost your academic profile and/or need more time to investigate colleges and prepare for the application process, this is a good route to consider.
  • Note if you do RD you’ll only have one month to make your final decision.
  • We suggest that you should only apply for RD if you’ve not had a chance to research and narrow down your choices early.

4. Rolling Decision

  • A first-come, first-serve approach where your application is reviewed as soon as it is received.

  • You’re notified within a month or sooner as to whether you were admitted, rejected or placed on a waitlist.

College Career Consulting Tips:

  • Spend the tail end of your junior year investigating your best-fit careers and colleges. Begin touring them now to narrow down your choices. Spend the summer before senior year gathering information and preparing for the application process. If you meet or exceed the admission profile for the college, plan on applying as soon as registration opens using the Rolling Decision option. If you need to improve your profile, you can do so during the first semester of your senior year and then submit your application.

  • Keep in mind that the number of seats available reduces as it gets later in the admissions cycle.

  • Rolling Decision allows you to know early in the process if you are accepted, in which case you can relax, or be rejected, which gives you a chance to consider your next options.

5. Single Choice Early Action (SCEA) or Restrictive Early Action (REA)

Note: The only colleges that use SCEA and REA are Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Georgetown or Notre Dame. Check each college’s website to understand the limitations that apply to ER, EA and Rolling Decisions.

  • The application deadline is typically between October 1 and November 15. Visit each college’s website to confirm the due date.

  • You are notified by mid-December as to whether you were admitted, rejected or deferred to an RD round.

  • Non- binding if accepted. You have until May 1 to decide.

6. Open Admissions

Note: This is commonly used by community and online colleges.

  • Any student who applies and meets the requirements is admitted.

7. Early Evaluation

  • Check with the college’s website to see if they offer Early Evaluation.

  • You submit your application materials by their given deadline. The college evaluates them and lets you know if you have a good, fair or poor chance of getting in.

  • Not binding and does not guarantee a spot even if your results indicate that you have a good chance.

Need help discerning best-fit careers and colleges? Contact us today for a free initial consult.