College applications are open, applications are being accepted. Rolling applications may already be in review. While September 15 is the first Early Action deadline that I am aware of, if you’re applying to college in the 2024-2025 school year, it is important to understand the various admissions deadlines, the pros and cons of each, and how to evaluate which deadline(s) is/are best for you. Like most aspects of the college admissions process, admission deadlines are more complicated than they appear. A strategic college admissions process includes a solid understanding of what each admissions deadline means and adhering to the deadlines that make the most sense for YOU.
Early Decision (ED)
Early Decision is binding; if a student is accepted, he/she agrees to pay the deposit and withdraw all other applications. Students may only apply ED to ONE college or university. So why are students willing to accept the restrictions and apply ED? At some colleges, applying ED significantly increases the odds acceptance, including Duke University (12.9% v 4.1% in 2024), and Vanderbilt University (15.7% v. 3.7). Some smaller, elite schools, including Boston University, Case Western Reserve, Claremont-McKenna, Davidson College, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Northeastern University, New York University, Pomona College, Tulane University, University of Chicago, Wake Forest University, and others have two ED deadlines, indicating the importance they place on ED to fill their classes and covet their yield. While students who apply ED can expect to be notified quickly, students and parents must understand the commitment they are singing off on and what the numbers actually mean for them.
Click HERE for a list of colleges offering Early Decision Admissions
Who should apply ED?
Students who feel certain that an institution in the right fit for them–academically, socially, and financially–should consider ED. Since ED is binding, make sure to know what you will pay by using the institution’s net price calculator and communicating with the financial aid office.
Early Action (EA)
Access to scholarships and honors programs and just getting the application process behind you ASAP are good incentives to apply EA. Also, colleges are accepting more and more students in the early action pool. Students who apply EA receive admissions decisions earlier making for a less stressful senior year.
Who should apply EA?
Student’s with solid junior year transcripts and, if applicable, test scores should apply EA.
Restrictive Early Action (REA)
Although not as common as EA and ED, some highly-rejective private schools, including Harvard, Notre Dame, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale offer REA/Single Choice Early Action. What this means is that applicants agree not to apply EA or ED to other private institutions or ED to a state university. As with EA and ED, REA applicants can expect a decision early, but unlike ED, it is not binding.
Who should apply REA
Students who feel certain that an institution in the right fit for them–academically, socially, and financially–may consider REA. Since REA prevents students from applying ED or EA to other colleges, except in-state universities, students should ensure their lists are balanced and that the regular decision deadlines work for them.
Rolling Admissions (RA)
Rolling admissions is when colleges evaluate and respond to applications as they receive them. Students who apply to schools with rolling admissions should get their applications in early (think opportunity cost & merit scholarships).
Who should apply RA?
Students who feel their application are ready for review can apply early in the admissions cycle and expect a response in a timely manner.
Regular Decision (RD)
Typically, this is the latest date by which an institution will accept applications.
Who should apply RD?
Students who feel that they will be more competitive for a college or university in light of senior grades, stronger test scores, or other information can wait and apply RD.
Which admissions cycle is best?
The answer depends on the student and context.
It is important to be strategic (i.e., consider application strength & institution) and evaluate ALL data when making a decision. While most of my clients apply EA because it demonstrates enthusiasm, meets Honors Programs deadlines, and gives first dibs on merit scholarships, there are times when applying ED or RD is more appropriate. That said, I have found that students who complete applications early and have a good idea where they will go early in the New Year feel accomplished and more settled.
Tune in next week for more information on applying ED and a list of schools who offer Early Decision admissions. In the meantime, for more information on which college admissions cycle is best for you and why, or anything else related to the college admissions process, feel free to contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.
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