Understanding College Applications Distinctions

The fall high school semester is the application period for most colleges. Deciding which colleges to apply to is an involving task for high school seniors, and one that requires more than time investment alone.

Considering the amount of preparation and planning that goes into applications, as well as the level of involvement required of students, teachers, parents, and other advisers, it is essential for students to understand the application process and the major kinds of college applications.

Here is a rundown of the different kinds of application options and their typical deadline dates:

• Regular Applications
  • Application period: November and December
  • Notification of admissions decision: April
  • Deadline for applicant decision: by May 1st
  • Agreement type: Non-binding (applicants are not committed to attending college if accepted)

• Early Decision (ED)
  • Application period: November
  • Notification of admissions decision: usually December
  • Deadline for applicant choice: usually binding upon acceptance of student, deposit is due at a date specified before May 1st
  • Agreement Type: Binding (applicants are committed to attending college if accepted)

• Early Action (EA)
  • Application period: November
  • Notification of admissions decision: usually January or February
  • Deadline for applicant choice: usually by May 1st
  • Agreement Type: Usually non-binding; conditions may vary by college

• Single-Choice Early Action*
  • The agreement indicates that students can only use the application type for the college they are applying to
  • Deadline and notification dates: same as for EA/ED
  • Agreement Type: may be binding or non-binding depending on college

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