Types of Admission Deadlines
Know What You're Agreeing To
College application deadlines aren't all the same.
The admission plan you choose can affect when you apply, when you receive a decision, whether you can apply early to other institutions, and—in some cases—whether you're committing to attend.
Always read the college's specific policies before applying.
Rolling Admission
Colleges with rolling admission review applications as they are completed and generally release decisions throughout the admission cycle rather than waiting for one application deadline.
Even when a college accepts applications over a long period, applying earlier may provide advantages.
Programs, scholarships, housing, or other opportunities may have separate deadlines or limited availability.
Don't interpret "rolling" as "there's no reason to apply early."
Regular Decision
Regular decision uses a defined application deadline.
Students submit their applications by that date and generally receive admission decisions during a later period established by the college.
Regular decision is nonbinding. If you're admitted, you can compare the college with your other options before deciding where to enroll.
Early Action
Early action allows students to apply earlier in the admission cycle and receive an admission decision earlier.
Early action is generally nonbinding, meaning admission doesn't require you to attend.
Students can typically continue applying to and considering other colleges, although you should always check the institution's specific rules.
Restrictive or Single-Choice Early Action
Some colleges offer a form of early action that places restrictions on where else a student may apply early.
The admission offer itself is generally nonbinding, but the application rules may limit other early applications.
Policies vary significantly by institution.
Read the college's rules carefully before choosing this option.
Early Decision
Early decision is different because it generally involves a binding commitment.
A student applying early decision is indicating that the institution is their first choice and, if admitted under the terms of the agreement, expects to enroll and withdraw applications from other institutions.
Before choosing early decision, make sure you understand:
- The commitment you're making
- When you'll receive financial aid information
- How the college handles financial circumstances
- Whether you'll have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers
- The process if the financial package doesn't make attendance possible
Students and families should carefully consider the financial implications before entering a binding admission agreement.
Priority Deadlines
You may also encounter a priority deadline.
Meeting a priority deadline may provide earlier or preferred consideration for things such as:
- Admission
- Scholarships
- Honors programs
- Housing
- Certain academic programs
A college may continue accepting applications after its priority date, but some opportunities may become more limited.
One College May Have Several Deadlines
Don't assume the admission deadline is the only date you need to know.
Track deadlines for:
- Admission
- Scholarships
- Financial aid
- Honors programs
- Specific majors or programs
- Housing
- Auditions or portfolios
- Enrollment deposits
- Orientation
Create one calendar or tracking system for all your college deadlines.
Before You Choose an Admission Plan
Ask:
- Is this application plan binding?
- Does it restrict applications to other colleges?
- When will I receive a decision?
- When will I receive financial aid information?
- Are scholarships tied to a particular deadline?
- Does my intended major have a different deadline?
- Will I have enough information to make an informed financial decision?
If you're unsure about the terms, ask the college's admission office or your school counselor before submitting the application.
