The college application process comes with a variety of admissions plans, each with its own advantages and considerations. Understanding these options can help your student make a strategic decision about when—and how—to apply.
Here’s a breakdown of the main admissions types, who should consider each one, and the pros and cons of each approach.
Early Decision (ED1 & ED2): Binding Commitment
What It Is:
Early Decision (ED) is a binding application process, meaning if your student is accepted, they are required to enroll and withdraw all other applications.
• ED1 deadlines are typically in November, with decisions released in December.
• ED2 deadlines are later (usually in January), offering students another opportunity to apply binding after the first round.
Who Offers It?
✅ Private universities and highly selective schools
✅ Liberal arts colleges
Advantages:
✔ Higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision at many selective schools
✔ Shows a strong commitment to a college, which can work in the applicant’s favor
Disadvantages:
❌ Binding commitment means no opportunity to compare financial aid offers
❌ Only works for students 100% sure about their first-choice school
Who Should Apply ED?
🔹 Students with a clear first-choice college
🔹 Students who do not need to compare financial aid packages
🔹 Students with a strong application ready early in senior year
Early Action (EA): Early but Not Binding
What It Is:
Early Action (EA) allows students to apply early—typically by November—and receive a decision in December or January. Unlike Early Decision, EA is not binding; students can still apply to multiple schools and compare offers.
Who Offers It?
✅ Many public and private universities
Advantages:
✔ Students get decisions earlier, reducing stress
✔ More time to compare financial aid offers and admissions decisions
✔ No commitment—students can still apply to other schools
Disadvantages:
❌ Some highly selective schools don’t offer EA
❌ Students must have a strong application ready early
Who Should Apply EA?
🔹 Students who want early results without a binding commitment
🔹 Students with a strong academic record by junior year
🔹 Students who want to keep their college options open
Regular Decision (RD): The Traditional Path
What It Is:
Regular Decision is the standard application process, with deadlines typically in January or February and decisions released in March or April.
Who Offers It?
✅ Nearly all colleges and universities
Advantages:
✔ More time to refine applications, essays, and test scores
✔ Allows students to apply broadly and compare financial aid packages
✔ No restrictions—students can apply to as many schools as they want
Disadvantages:
❌ Highly competitive at top schools since many spots are already filled by ED/EA applicants
❌ Waiting until March or April for decisions can be stressful
Who Should Apply RD?
🔹 Students who need more time to strengthen their application
🔹 Students who aren’t ready to commit early
🔹 Students who want to compare all financial aid offers
Rolling Admission: Decisions on a Rolling Basis
What It Is:
Rolling Admission means schools review applications as they come in and release decisions continuously until spots are filled.
Who Offers It?
✅ Many public universities and some private colleges
✅ Examples: Michigan State, Indiana University, Arizona State
Advantages:
✔ Faster decisions—some schools release results within weeks
✔ More flexibility—applications are often accepted into the spring
✔ Less stress—students know earlier if they’ve been accepted
Disadvantages:
❌ Applying later in the cycle can be risky—some spots and scholarships may be filled
❌ Not available at many highly selective universities
Who Should Apply Rolling?
🔹 Students who want an early decision but missed Early Action deadlines
🔹 Students applying to less selective public universities
🔹 Students who want to secure a safety school early in the process
Final Thoughts: Which Application Plan is Right for Your Student?
Choosing the right admissions plan depends on your student’s goals, timeline, and financial needs. Here’s a quick guide:
✔ ED1 or ED2? Best for students with a clear first choice and no financial aid concerns.
✔ EA? Great for students who want early results without a binding commitment.
✔ REA? A strong choice for top students targeting highly selective schools that offer this option.
✔ RD? Ideal for students who need more time to finalize applications or want to compare offers.
✔ Rolling? A flexible option for students who want early results and reduced stress.
Need Help Deciding? Let’s Talk!
The college admissions process is filled with important decisions, and choosing the right application plan can make a big difference. If your student is unsure when or how to apply, I’d love to help create a strategy that works for them.
📩 Reach out today for expert guidance on college applications and admissions strategy!
