Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, Rolling Admission: Which to Choose and When to Choose it

Timeline:

• Application submitted by early-mid November.
• Decision received by the end of December.  

When you would choose EA: 

• You have multiple top-choice schools.
• Your applications are ready to go and your essay is crème de la crème.
• Your major has a limited number of seats available.
• You’re ready to wrap up your college search.

Important to know:

• Early Action is non-binding. This means that if you are accepted, you are not obligated to enroll.
• You may be accepted to multiple schools through EA. This allows extra time for you to decide where to go and/or gives you the opportunity to say yes to your school sooner.

Timeline:

• Application submitted by early-mid November.
• Decision received by the end of  December.

When you would choose ED:

• You are 100% sure of your top choice school.

Important to know:

• You would only apply to one school Early Decision as it is binding. This means that by applying ED you are agreeing/obligated to enroll if you are accepted. 

Timeline: 

• Application submitted by mid-February.
• Decisions received by early May. 

When you would choose RD: 

• You’re in no rush! 
• You want to take your time to review your options, retake the SAT or ACT, perfect your essay, retrieve your recommendations, and lean into different areas of study.
• You applied EA or ED and did not get accepted.

Important to know:

• There is nothing wrong with Regular Decision! College is a big, personal choice. Take the time you need to make your application the best it can be.
• RD is a great option to hold onto for your “safety schools” if you do not get accepted into your top choices.

Timeline:

• Schools that provide Rolling Admission allow students to apply at any time during their admission period; typically, September through July.
• Schools with Rolling Admission evaluate each college application as it’s received and sends acceptance letters to students who meet their requirements.

When you would choose RA:

• Admission is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you will want to submit your application as early as possible.
• On the other hand, if you find yourself without a school match after applying EA, ED, or RD, there may be a school with Rolling Admission that is still a great fit for you!

Important to know:

• This is NOT a cop-out option. Your Rolling Admission application is being looked at in direct contrast to other applicants, so you need to take the same amount of care when applying.
• Some colleges accept applications at nearly any point of the year. Others have specific windows when they will want potential students to apply. Always double check!