There are a wide variety of options available as you begin applying to colleges in addition to the decision options that college and universities use. The jargon can be confusing, and most colleges offer several application options. The following definitions should be helpful.
Rolling Admission
Many institutions work on a rolling admission calendar. This means that applications are reviewed as they are received and decisions are released on a regular or rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the earlier you will receive notification. Many large institutions or state schools use rolling admissions, and spaces do fill up. No matter what the deadline, apply early when applying to a school that uses rolling admissions.
Early Decision
Early decision is a commitment-based plan for the student who has decided on his or her first choice. This is a binding plan, so an early decision plan should be as definite as possible. This translates to a very thorough college search and self-assessment before the fall of the senior year. If you have lingering doubts, then you should not apply early decision. Generally speaking, early decision applications are due mid-November with admission decisions released before the end of December. A college may accept, defer, or deny an application during the early decision process. If accepted, a student is ethically bound to attend the institution and to withdraw other applications immediately. If you apply early decision, you may apply to other colleges prior to early decision notification, but you may have only one application under early decision consideration. You must be prepared to honor an early decision commitment!
It is not necessarily easier to gain admission under an early decision plan, yet you are sending a very strong message of interest and commitment. Senior grades and senior test scores are important in the admission decision process. Schools that defer a student are interested in your progress and work during the senior year; therefore, your application will be rolled over to the regular decision pool. For the most part, early decision applicants are judged on their work through the junior year, their senior year curriculum, and all other information the school requests, such as letters of recommendation and your essay. Early decision enrollment deposits are usually due in December or early January.
Many schools will offer early financial aid estimates if you are applying for need-based aid. If your family feels the award is not sufficient or there are circumstances not considered, you may appeal your award. If receiving financial aid is essential for you to attend college, early decision may not be the best route. Applying to several colleges under regular or early action plans will allow you to compare financial aid packages before making a final decision by May 1.
Early Action
Early action is similar to early decision except that it is non-binding. A student admitted under early action is not required to make a commitment until May 1, the national Candidates' Reply Date. If a school offers early action, this plan allows you to express your interest early on and to receive an early response while exploring other college options. Like early decision, schools may admit, defer, or deny applications during the early action round.
Regular Decision
Regular decision means that applications must be filed during the late fall and early winter months with notification in late March or early April. Regular decision deadlines will vary from school to school. Like early action, you have until May 1, the national Candidates' Reply Date, to let colleges know your decision.
Wait List
If you are given a wait list decision, then a school has neither accepted nor denied your application. A wait list offer holds out the possibility for admission should space in the class be available. A student may be offered a place on the wait list if there has been a drop in senior grades and the college wants to see more senior work. (Colleges do request first semester and sometimes second semester grades, so the work you do during the senior year is important!)
If you are placed on a wait list, the college may ask if you are interested in remaining on the list. Whatever your decision, you should respond to them promptly. If you are interested, it may be a good idea to send a letter indicating your interest. It is certainly appropriate to inquire about how a school has used the wait list in the past and if there are things you can do to strengthen your chance of acceptance.
Most colleges will not make offers off the wait list until after May 1, the National Candidate Reply Date. This means that you must go ahead and submit an enrollment deposit at another school so you have an enrollment option for the fall. If you are offered admission from the wait list at your first choice college, it is appropriate to notify the first college where you deposited of your change in plans. Whatever you do, do NOT deposit at two schools. This is unethical and it can result in both colleges canceling your acceptance. While you may accept a place on more than one waiting list, you should never hold an enrollment reservation at more than one college at a time.
