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Types of Application Plans
What do all the terms mean? What are the differences between them?
EARLY DECISION
Early Decision (E.D.) is a program for students who select a particular college as a definite first choice. The application, and all supporting documents, must typically be submitted by November 1st or 15th. The college’s Admission Office will then evaluate the application and notify the student (usually in December) whether they have been admitted, deferred to regular admission or rejected. If admitted, the student is obligated to attend that institution and must withdraw all other applications. A student should not apply Early Decision unless they have researched the school thoroughly and has definitely decided to attend the college if admitted.
Many colleges also offer a second round early option. The deadline for E.D. II is typically the same as the regular application deadlines, January 1st or 15th. Students then hear the decision in early to mid- February. In the case of E.D. II the student is obligated to attend that institution and must immediately withdraw other applications.
EARLY ACTION
Early Action (E.A.) is a program similar to Early Decision. The student applies early and receives early notification of the admission decision. The key difference from Early Decision is that a student who is admitted under an E.A. program is not obligated to commit to the particular college if admitted. Thus, even if a student is admitted in an Early Action program, they may continue to pursue applications at other schools. It is important for students to check the guidelines for each specific college regarding early procedures. For example, some colleges are Single Choice or Restrictive E.A., which means that students are not allowed to submit other early applications with minor exceptions.
ROLLING ADMISSION
Many state universities and a handful of private schools act on an application as soon as the file is complete. The college notifies the student of its decision within weeks of receiving the complete application. It is generally to a student’s advantage to apply to a school with this type of Rolling Admission program as early in the fall as possible, because, as spaces are filled, the admission standards increase. Students may be deferred under this program, as colleges might want to wait to see senior year first semester grades before making a final admission decision.
REGULAR ADMISSION
The average number of applications our students submit is ten to twelve. The maximum number of applications a Friends student may submit is 12. Important parts of the college process are learning to identify preferences, to set priorities, to self- evaluate, and to make decisions. If a student learns these skills, there should be no reason to apply to such a large number of schools.
Is Early Application right for you? Questions to consider:
Will your admission profile be complete and at its strongest (i.e.: would senior semester grades significantly improve your profile) for an early application deadline?
Will you have enough time to fully polish and fine-tune your application and supplement by November?
In the case of binding programs, have you thoroughly researched the college and visited the campus at least once?
Is it to your disadvantage to apply at a later date based on that school’s particular policy?
What are the possible responses (admit, defer, deny)? If the response is negative, will you be able to handle the wait until March for other good news?
A word of caution:
Applying early is not right for many students. An early application is not going to make an unrealistic reach, realistic. A poorly written early application will not be viewed more positively than a polished regular decision application. An early application will not counterbalance poor junior grades; in fact in the case of a junior grade dip or late academic awakening, colleges will want to see a full semester of senior grades.
The decision about what application plan is right for you should be made in consultation with your college counselor. If a student decides to apply early, he/she will need to complete the Early Contract by October 15.
