Early Decision
Early Decision is the process whereby a student makes a binding commitment to enroll at the institution where he or she is admitted. Students, parents, and counselors co-sign a contract that is submitted with application. Students may only have one Early Decision application at any time and will withdraw all other applications if accepted. Early Decision deadlines generally fall during the month of November; students should hear between mid-December and the New Year.
Early Decision 2
Early Decision 2 is similar to Early Decision except that the due date is later. ED 2 allows students more time to commit to one school and/or to build a stronger application. Students often receive an ED2 decision by February.
Early Action
Early Action allows a student to submit an early application and receive a decision well in advance of the normal response date without having to make a commitment to enroll at that school if accepted. Students may apply to other colleges and adhere to the May 1 national reply date.
Regular Decision
Regular Decision is the process through which an institution reviews most of its applications prior to notifying the majority of its candidates. Students are notified in late March or early April and have until May 1 to decide where to enroll.
Rolling Admission
Rolling Admission refers to the process through which an institution reviews applications as they are received; students generally receive an admission decision within six to eight weeks. Students may apply to other colleges and have until May 1 to send their deposit. Applying earlier to schools that have rolling admission can positively influence the admission decision.