A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating College Admissions Deadlines

Choosing colleges and then deciding when to apply are at the heart of the college admissions process. Each type of deadline serves different student needs, may lead to binding decisions, and can significantly impact your student’s application strategy. In this blog post, we’ll break down the most common types of college admissions deadlines to help you and your student make informed decisions based upon their college acceptance goals.

Buyer beware: the devil is in the details, so check with colleges to understand all of their requirements and nuances before filing applications.

Types of College Admissions Deadlines

1. Regular Decision (RD)

Regular Decision is the most straightforward and most-used application process. Unlike some of the other application choices, Regular Decision is non-binding so students can apply to multiple schools at the same time, often using the Common App.

Deadlines for RD come after other deadlines (outlined below) and typically fall between January 1 and February 1, giving students ample time to retake standardized exams like the ACT or SAT to improve their scores, complete fall classes, and spend more time finishing their applications. Admissions decisions from colleges usually arrive by late March or early April. On average, approximately 71% of students in the Regular Decision pool are accepted, but this can vary widely based on the selectivity of a college.

One benefit of Regular Decision is that once students receive acceptance letters and financial aid packages, they can think about which college offers the best overall fit financially, academically and socially. Then, before May 1, the date most colleges ask for a deposit, students can secure a place in the next class for the school they choose. 

2. Early Decision (ED or ED1)

Some students find the college of their dreams by the very beginning of their senior year. They’ve done the background work and believe one college offers them the best fit academically and socially. Financial fit may be a question for some but cannot be known in advance of the application.

Early Decision candidates should ensure that their test scores, GPA, and other metrics are in line with those reported by the colleges for previous classes and not a stretch. Colleges use Early Decision to their advantage by accepting only the most highly qualified candidates.

Many highly selective colleges fill between 10-20% of the student seats available in the incoming class from the ED pool. Although the average acceptance rates for ED are approximately 60%, it can vary widely. U.S. News and World Report reported that College of the Holy Cross recently admitted 67% of the ED applicants.

The Early Decision process is open to file an application to one college generally around November 1 or 15. Read that sentence again: Early Decision permits them to file an application to one college. Early Decision is a binding commitment between a student and the school. Colleges make decisions quickly, usually by mid-December. Accepted students are then obligated to accept and attend.

If a student files more than one Early Decision application, it would be considered a serious ethical breach which could result in the schools rescinding their admissions offers. If a student files an Early Decision application but is unable to afford the school, it is possible to appeal for more financial aid or be released from the commitment to attend.

If your student is considering the Early Decision option, make sure to read the fine print of the college’s policies and be absolutely certain this college is the best choice for them. This is not the time to stretch!

3. Early Decision 2 (ED2)

For students who didn’t apply Early Decision in the fall, but still have a strong preference for a particular college, ED2 offers a great second opportunity for early admission. Like Early Decision, ED2 is a binding commitment to attend if accepted. The key difference between ED1 and ED2 is timing. The deadlines for ED2 are later, typically in early January, with admissions decisions released to students by mid-February.

ED2 is used by colleges to continue filling the freshman class with the most highly qualified students. Students use ED2 if they were unsuccessful in the ED process at another school or if they identified this college as a great fit after the original ED deadline. Others may strategically use ED2 as an entry early opportunity because the pool of ED2 candidates is usually smaller, sometimes significantly smaller than for ED1. Statistically, ED2 candidates usually have a higher probability of success (assuming they stack up well against the metrics as discussed earlier): there are fewer competing applicants and colleges use ED2 to increase their yield.  A win-win!

4. Early Action (EA)

Early Action is much like Early Decision, but with two significant differences: it is non-binding, and students can (usually) apply to more than one college. EA gives students the flexibility to apply to other colleges, including ED1 and ED2 schools, if those schools do not have a policy against filing early somewhere else. Students not accepted Early Decision would then have a fallback with more information (i.e., a financial aid award letter) to make a more informed decision before making the deposit on May 1.

Most colleges have ED1 and EA deadlines that coincide – November 1 or November 15 with admissions decisions in December. Early Action candidates are either accepted, rejected, or deferred which often results in the application being considered with the pool of Regular Decision candidates. And, like ED candidates, approximately 60% of Early Action candidates are admitted.

EA is a terrific option for students who have narrowed their college list. It allows them to show a concentrated interest in a particular college without being committed to matriculating. On average, more than half of EA applicants secure an early spot while keeping their options open. Additionally, both EA and ED applicants are likely to receive more grants and scholarships, particularly aid awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, than students in the RD pool. With all of this information, parents and their students can determine which school is the best financial as well as academic and social fit.

5. Rolling Admissions

Colleges with Rolling Admissions evaluate applications as they are received, making decisions throughout the admissions cycle versus by a specific date. This process often begins in the fall and can continue until the class is filled. A wide variety of colleges and universities offer Rolling Admissions including public, private, regional, and community colleges. While deadlines can vary significantly with Rolling Admissions, students should still apply as early as possible. One key advantage in Rolling Admissions is the flexibility and timing: students can apply, get a fairly quick decision, and evaluate college offers in a timeframe more suitable to them.

Colleges that are “Open Admission” or “Open Enrollment” often accept all applicants, or at least a large majority, who meet the application deadline.

6. Priority Deadline (PD)

Some colleges elect a slightly different admission approach by using a Priority Deadline which is essentially a “first-come, first-served” application policy. This deadline allows students to receive early consideration for both admissions and financial aid as long as the application arrives before the Priority Deadline. Like Early Action, PD is not binding, but it may give a student an advantage over a Regular Decision candidate for certain financial aid.  

If your student is considering taking advantage of a Priority Deadline, make sure to check out the specific dates for each college as they do vary by institution.

7. Transfer Admissions

For students looking to transfer from one college to another, Transfer Admissions deadlines vary widely by institution, depending on the academic calendar of the transfer school. Each college has its own criteria for transfer applications, so it’s important to check specific deadlines and requirements. Students seeking to transfer need to understand the college’s credit transfer policy, specifically whether the credits from the student’s current institution will transfer and count towards both the student’s major and the college’s overall graduation requirements.

8. Early Evaluation

Some colleges offer an Early Evaluation option, allowing students to submit applications earlier in the process for an informal review of their qualifications. This is not a formal application nor a guarantee of admission. Rather, it provides feedback on whether a student is likely to be competitive for admission.

An Early Evaluation, or “Pre-Read”, is often used for athletes and others identified by the college as desired candidates for some special talent or attribute they offer the school.

The Last Word

Understanding the various types of college admissions deadlines is essential for crafting a successful application strategy. Whether Regular Decision, Early Decision 1, Early Decision 2, Early Action, or any other pathway, each choice carries its own advantages and considerations. Be sure to research the specific requirements of each college and remember to stay organized as you and your student navigate this exciting journey!