College Application Deadlines: When to Apply Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision

The college application process is a mix of excitement, hard work, and a little bit of strategy. One of the most confusing parts of that strategy is navigating the different types of college application deadlines: Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial for making the best choice for you.

So let’s demystify the process and to ensure you have a clear roadmap. We’ll break down what each of these deadlines means, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the right path for your college journey so that you can get into your dream school.

 

 

A Quick Rundown of College Application Deadlines

 

Early Decision (ED)

This is a binding commitment. You apply early, and if you are accepted, you must commit to enrolling in that college. You also must withdraw all other applications.

 

Early Action (EA)

This is a non-binding option. You apply early and get an admission decision early, but you are not obligated to accept the offer.

 

Regular Decision (RD)

This is the standard application process. You apply by the regular deadline and receive a decision in the spring. This allows you to weigh all of your options before committing.

 

Early Decision (ED): The Binding Commitment

 

Early Decision is for students who are 100% certain about their top-choice college.

 

Advantages

Potentially Higher Acceptance Rate

Many colleges have a higher acceptance rate for ED applicants, as it demonstrates a strong commitment to their institution.

 

Reduced Stress

You can complete the application process sooner and have a decision by mid-December. You’ll be able to focus on applying for scholarships rather than applying to colleges.

 

It’s a Yes or No

You’ll know where you stand early, which eliminates a lot of uncertainty.

 

Disadvantages

The Biggest Disadvantage

It’s a Binding Agreement. If you are accepted, you are legally bound to attend. You cannot compare financial aid packages from other schools, which is a major financial risk.

 

Financial Aid Is a Factor.

You’ll receive your financial aid offer with your acceptance, but you can’t leverage it or compare it with other offers.

 

Rushed Application

The early deadline means you have less time to strengthen your application with senior year grades or new test scores.

 

Who Should Apply ED?

You should only apply Early Decision if you can say “yes” to all of the following:

• Is this college your absolute top choice?
• Are you are confident that your application is strong enough to get you an acceptance?
• Are you and your family certain you can afford the cost, regardless of the financial aid package?

If you are unsure, it is best to apply either Early Action or Regular Decision.

 

Early Action (EA): The Non-Binding Head Start

 

Early Action is ideal if you have a strong application ready early but want to keep your options open.

 

Advantages

Early Decision, No Commitment

You get an admission decision in mid-December or January, but you are not obligated to accept.

 

Compare Financial Aid

You can wait until spring to compare financial aid offers from other schools before making a final decision by the May 1st deadline.

 

Reduced Stress

Getting a “yes” from an EA school can be a huge confidence boost and reduce stress during the rest of the application cycle.

 

Disadvantages

Rushed Application

Similar to ED, you have to submit your application earlier, so you may not have time to include first-semester senior grades or updated test scores.

 

No Guarantee of a Higher Rate

While EA applicants can have a slightly higher acceptance rate, the pool is often very competitive.

 

Who Should Apply EA?

You should apply Early Action if you have a strong application, want to receive a response to your application sooner, but need the flexibility to compare financial aid packages from multiple schools. If the colleges you are targeting offer Early Action, and if you can complete your application before their EA deadline, you should go ahead and apply before that deadline.

 

Regular Decision (RD): The Standard Approach

 

Regular Decision is the most common way to apply to college.

 

Advantages

More Time

You have the most time to perfect your application, take the SAT/ACT, and include your first-semester senior year grades.

 

Compare All Options

You will receive admission and financial aid offers from all the schools you applied to in the spring, typically by April, allowing you to make a well-informed decision.

 

Disadvantages

Later Decision

You won’t know where you stand until late March or April, which can be stressful.

 

Potentially Lower Acceptance Rate

At some schools, the acceptance rate for RD applicants can be lower than in the early rounds.

 

What are the risks of not applying ED or EA?

The main risk is missing out on the potential benefits of an earlier admission decision and a higher acceptance rate. However, if you need additional time to prepare your application materials and simply can’t meet the EA deadline, go ahead and apply Regular Decision. The extra time may work to your advantage, if you use that time to ensure you have a really strong application.

 

Why Do Some Colleges Only Have One Application Deadline?

 

While many highly selective colleges use a variety of college application deadlines, many public universities and some private schools have just one deadline. This is often an administrative necessity for larger institutions that need a single, clear cutoff to process a massive number of applications and plan for thousands of incoming students. It also simplifies the process for admissions officers, allowing them to review a large applicant pool at once to make more holistic decisions. For you, this means you don’t have to rush to apply early, giving you more time to gather materials, work on your essays, and perfect your application.

 

Rolling Admissions: The Flexible Alternative

 

Don’t love having to juggle multiple college application deadlines? You might want to consider colleges that offer rolling admissions! Colleges that have a rolling admissions policy review applications as they receive them, rather than waiting for a single deadline. They continue to admit students until all the spots in their incoming class are filled.

 

The Big Advantage

Rolling admissions offers a lot of flexibility. You can apply at any time within a large window and often receive an admission decision within a few weeks. This can be a huge stress reliever if you want to get an acceptance letter in hand before you submit other applications.

Some students like to keep a short list of colleges that offer rolling admissions as a back-up, in case they don’t get into colleges that they are most interested in, or that they discover they can’t afford. If you find yourself in this situation, you can apply to colleges that offer rolling admissions any time, creating more options for yourself.

 

The Catch

While it’s flexible, applying early is still your best bet. Since spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, your chances of acceptance may be better earlier in the application cycle when more spots are available. Applying later in the cycle can also risk missing out on institutional scholarships or preferred housing options.

 

After You Apply Early: What to Expect

 

After you submit an ED or EA application, you can expect to hear back from the college in mid-December or January. You will receive one of three responses:

• Accepted: Congratulations! You’ve been admitted.
• Declined: Your application has been denied, and you will not be admitted to the college.
• Deferred: Your application has been moved to the Regular Decision applicant pool for reconsideration. A deferral is a “maybe,” and it is an indication that the admissions committee still sees you as a compelling candidate.

 

What to Do If You’re Deferred or Declined

 

If you’re deferred

This is not a denial! It means the college liked your application but wants to see how you compare to the Regular Decision pool. Send a “Letter of Continued Interest” to the admissions office, updating them on your first-semester senior year grades and any new accomplishments. This shows you are still highly interested.

 

If you’re declined

While it’s disappointing, it’s important to move on. Focus your energy on your other college applications. Appeals are extremely rare and are only successful if you can prove the admissions committee made a clear error in reviewing your application, which is highly unlikely. Don’t waste your time and energy on an appeal; instead, focus on the schools that have said “yes” and give them a fair chance.

 

What to Do After an Acceptance

 

Accepted ED

Congratulations! If you receive an offer of admission from an ED application, you are required to accept it. You and your parents signed a binding agreement to do so. You must withdraw all other applications you have pending at other colleges. However, if the financial aid package is truly not enough to allow you to attend, you may be released from the agreement by contacting the financial aid office and explaining your situation. This is the only acceptable reason for a student to break an Early Decision contract.

 

Accepted EA or RD

Congratulations! Unlike ED, an EA or RD acceptance is non-binding. You are free to wait for other colleges to respond to your applications. This gives you the valuable opportunity to weigh all of your admission and financial aid offers before making a final admission decision by the May 1st deadline.

 

Applying to College is Just the Beginning – You Also Need to Be Able to Pay for It

 

 

One of the advantages of applying Early Action or Regular Decision is that you’ll be able to review and compare all of your financial aid and scholarship offers. Unless you or your family are truly able to afford the full cost of college without financial assistance, it’s best to avoid applying Early Decision.

With this in mind, make sure you are aware of other important aspects of the college application timeline:

• Submit the FAFSA every year until you complete your college education, beginning in your senior year of high school. The FAFSA opens on October 1st.
• Prioritize applying for scholarships year-round. Get started with a free 7-day trial from ScholarshipOwl.
• Work part-time during the school year, and full-time during the summer, beginning at age 16 and continuing until you complete your education.
• Save as much as you can for your education, and ask your friends and family to contribute to your college fund for your birthday, holidays, and graduation gifts.

 

Choose the Deadline that Works Best for You

Choosing how and when to apply to colleges is a strategic decision that should be made with a clear understanding of the risks and rewards of each option. By understanding college application deadlines and knowing the differences between Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and the other application options available, you can choose the path that best aligns with your confidence in your application, your financial needs, and your overall goals. Ultimately, the best strategy is the one that sets you up for success, giving you the best possible chance to get accepted to the college of your dreams.