When to Apply? Considerations.

When should you submit your college application? Well, it depends.

Each individual college and university will post their application deadlines on their website. Once students have developed their list of schools to apply to based on extensive research, they can begin to think about the "best" strategy for application submission.

Some of the application options, such as Early Decision and Priority Deadline, can provide students' a higher probability of admission, but this is not always the case. An acceptance notice in December (rather than in March) when applying Early Action could provide some stress relief, because the student doesn't have to wait too long to know they have a college to attend.

When to apply becomes more of an art than a science. It requires a student to contemplate their priorities, make decisions based on their wants and needs, develop a application submission plan, and methodically keep track of application deadlines.

College Application Submission Options

Early Action (EA)

Some colleges offer an EA option. This allows students to submit their application before the "Regular Decision" date. The benefit for the student is they will receive a decision well in advance of the Regular Decision applicants. The decision information allows the student to breath a sigh of relief because they were accepted, or gain perspective to evaluate their application strategy going forward. Early Action is NOT binding, meaning the student is not obligated to accept the offer.

Restricted Early Action (REA)

Similar parameters as explained for EA applications. The only caveat is the student is restricted from submitting any other EA applications, therefore, they are limited to ONE. Restricted Early Action is NOT binding, meaning the student is not obligated to accept the offer.

Early Decision (ED)

Some colleges offer an ED option. This allows students to submit their application before the "Regular Decision" date. In most cases, the probability of being accepted increases (assuming the student meets or exceeds the GPA and testing standards).

Three important considerations, 1) financial aid offers may be limited and there is no opportunity to compare financial aid offers. 2) This is a BINDING agreement, meaning students CANNOT change their mind after being accepted. 3) The student is limited to choosing ONE school to submit an ED application.

Regular Decision (RD)

Students submit an application by the schools' published "Regular Decision" date. Regular Decision is NOT binding, meaning the student is not obligated to accept the offer. Students receive decisions by the date posted by the school.

Priority Deadline

Students submit an application before or by this deadline to receive a higher chance of being admitted. Priority Deadline acceptance is NOT binding, meaning the student is not obligated to accept the offer.

Rolling Admission

Some schools offer Rolling Admissions. This means that once the application is open by the school, students can submit their application at anytime. Applications are evaluated by the school as they are received versus waiting for a particular deadline. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible after the application has been opened. Spots are being filled on an ongoing basis. So, the longer you wait, the fewer spots will be available. Rolling Admission is NOT binding, meaning the student is not obligated to accept the offer.

Need a Visual?

I tend to be a visual learner too! The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has summarized the various application options onto an easy to read chart.