As if the college application process isn’t already difficult and confusing, know that there are five (count ’em five) different ways to apply to any given school. In this blog post, we’re going to outline the differences among each and help you figure out your best options.

We’ll be covering:

• Early Decision (ED),
• Early Action (EA),
• Restrictive Early Action (REA),
• Regular Decision (RD), and
• Rolling Admission (RA).

So, what are your five application options?

Early Decision:
Early Decision (ED) is legally binding and can only be pursued at one school. If you’re accepted, you must withdraw all the other applications you submitted and attend the school that accepted your ED application. ED applications are usually due in November, but some schools have earlier deadlines, so do your research. Some schools have two rounds of Early Decision: ED1 and ED2.

• Students sign a contract stating that they will abide by the ED restrictions and schools take this commitment very seriously. There can be some wiggle room if you’re applying to schools outside of the United States. Direct any questions to your school counselor.

Early Action:
Early Action (EA) is non-binding, and you can apply EA to multiple schools. If you’re accepted, you are NOT obligated to attend. EA applications are usually due in November, with the exception of a handful of schools for which the deadline is earlier.

Restrictive Early Action:
Restrictive Early Action (REA) is also non-binding, with the caveat that these schools don’t want you to apply to any binding programs at the same time. REA applications are usually due in November. 

• Important information to consider: REA means students cannot apply EA/ED to other schools, except for state schools. The exemption for state schools gives students and families the flexibility to wait to hear back from lower tuition public schools.

Regular Decision:
Regular Decision (RD) is non-binding. You can apply to as many schools as you want. We recommend applying to 8-10 schools: 3 sure thing, 4 probable, and 3 stretch. Deadlines range from mid-October to late winter.

Rolling Admissions:
Rolling Admissions (RA) means that colleges will review and consider applications as they are turned in. It is advantageous to apply as early as possible. Once the spots are filled, they’re filled. Even deserving applications will be rejected if all spots have already been taken.

Who is Early Decision best for?

Four things to consider:

1. If you can check all these boxes, then you should strongly consider applying ED.
   • I am totally in love with this school.
   • I have done my research and I can name five specific reasons why this college is the perfect match for me.
   • I’ve visited the campus and I can see myself enjoying life there.If the school requires test scores, mine are within the acceptable range.
   • My grades, test scores, extracurriculars are so good that my counselor and I think I will probably get in.
     
     
2. If you’re a recruited athlete and the following applies to you, then consider applying ED.
   • I’m a recruited athlete, and I have developed a relationship with the coach, and I have been informed by the coach either in person or in writing that I am an official recruit who will have their full support in the admissions process. It’s a good idea to have your school counselor contact admissions and make sure everybody is on the same page. It’s also a good idea to have visited the campus and spent some quality time with your future coach and teammates.
     
     
3. If you’re concerned about affordability, then consider the following.
   • If you’re accepted Early Decision, the school will put together a financial aid package and send your family a bill. So ask – can your family afford to pay the Estimated Family Contribution or EFC that was determined by your FAFSA application or Net Price Calculator?
     
     
4. If you’re not sure, then research how important ED is to the school.
   • Some schools value ED more than others. Some schools will fill 50% of their admit spots through ED applicants. Some schools will also have wildly different acceptance rates when comparing ED to RD. Here’s a resource to determine how advantageous, if at all, it is to apply ED to the school you’re considering.

Who is Early Action best for?

Applying EA is nice because you hear on acceptances by mid-December and can then adjust the total number of schools you’re applying to in regular decision. EA applications might not increase your chances of acceptance like ED applications, but EA certainly can’t hurt unless you need:

• More time to complete your application
• More time to show your senior grades
• More time to improve your test scores

If you need more time, take it, and consider applying regular decision.

Getting an early acceptance should relieve stress and reduce the number of schools on your list. However, if you don’t get in early, it might significantly raise those stress levels. If that’s the case, take the feedback in stride and consider adjusting your list of schools.

The college application process is a big deal. We want you to have all the information you need, and we hope you’re feeling more comfortable with the five pathways to admission.

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