Five Application Options, Explained

Thank goodness clever Sparklers like Caroline are here to explain application procedures to us, because, frankly, thinking about them makes our heads hurt until we have to go lie down in a dark room with cucumber gel on our cheeks. --Sparkitors

So we’ve all heard of this mysterious college application process called the “Earlies and Regulars.”  Many people do not know the differences between the three. Which process is right for you?

Early Decision
Do you have a dream school? If accepted, are you ready to commit to that school? Early decision is for students who are absolutely sure they want to attend a certain school. If you are applying early decision, you are not allowed to apply to any other schools. Also, you sign an agreement saying that if you're accepted, you will attend the school. Many early decision applications must be submitted by November 1, which is two months before most regular applications are due.  Statistics show that early decision acceptance rates are significantly higher than that of regular decisions.

Early Action
Early action is not binding. If accepted to the early action school of your choice, you may still apply to other schools for regular decision. You may also apply early action to multiple schools. Early action applications are due around November, and school usually mail out your acceptance, rejection, or waitlist announcement in December. Applying early action does not give you as significant an advantage as applying early decision does. The acceptance  rate is about the same as that of regular decision, but hey, who doesn’t like finding out if he got into college by winter break?

Be careful when you’re applying with early action. Beware of...

Restrictive Early Action
This is a specific kind of early action under which the school expects the applicant to apply early to their school only. The circumstances are very similar to early decision except for the fact that restrictive early action does not mean that if you're accepted, you must attend. Rather, if you are accepted, you may still apply to other schools through regular decision.

Rolling Admissions
Rolling admissions arethe least complicated. They are not binding and do not involve a set deadline. As soon as the application portals are open and you're done with your application, you are allowed to submit it. Applicants are judged on a first-come, first-serve basis. So the earlier you submit, the earlier you will receive your decision.

Regular Decision
You apply through the regular college process and meet the regular deadline, which is usually in early January. Decisions are usually mailed out electronically in late March or early April.

How are you planning to apply?