Hi Reader,

It can be overwhelming for some students to keep track of all the different application types and deadlines, especially since each school has its own unique schedule. Here's a quick guide to help clarify the common types of college application categories and their typical timelines:

1. Rolling Admission

• Description: Applications are reviewed as they are received, and decisions are made on a rolling basis.
• Deadline: There is usually no specific deadline, but it is best to apply as early as possible as spots fill up.
• Notification: Decisions are made continuously, often within a few weeks of application submission.
• Number of applications one can submit: Under this process, there is no limit to the number of colleges a student can apply to.

2. Early Action (EA)

• Description: Non-binding, allowing students to apply early and receive a decision without committing to attend.
• Deadline: Typically, on or before November 1 (although some are a bit later); students need to check the Common Application or individual school websites for exact deadlines.
• Notification: Starting in mid-December, schools will usually notify applicants no later than February 15.
• Number of applications one can submit: Under this process, there is no limit to the number of colleges a student can apply to. ** Please note that some schools do have restrictions under a Restrictive Early Action (REA) policy. Schools like Harvard, Georgetown, and Yale, to name a few, only allow early applicants to apply to public universities if choosing their school in this round.

3. Early Decision (ED) Round One (ED I)

• Description: Binding agreement where the student commits to attend if accepted.
• Deadline: Typically around November 1.
• Notification: Usually by mid-December.
• Number of applications one can submit: Under this process, students must attend the ED1 school if admitted, as it is binding. However, students who apply for ED at a school are not restricted from applying to other schools that have Early Action (unless stated by the school under a REA policy) or Rolling Admissions as options in case the student is deferred, waitlisted, or denied by the ED1 school. That said, all applications must be pulled if the student is admitted to the ED1 school.

4. Early Decision Round Two (ED II). If a student does not apply in ED1 or is not accepted to their ED1 choice, they can apply through this round.

• Description: Like in the ED1 round, this too is binding, but with a later deadline for students who want another chance to apply early or missed the ED I deadline.
• Deadline: Often around January 1.
• Notification: Usually by February.
• Number of applications one can submit: Under this process, students must attend the ED2 school if admitted, as it is binding. However, students who apply for ED2 at a school are not restricted from applying to other schools that have Early Action (unless stated by the school under a REA policy) or Rolling Admissions as options in case the student is deferred, waitlisted, or denied by the ED2 school. That said, all applications must be pulled if the student is admitted to the ED2 school.

5. Regular Decision (RD)

• Description: Standard application process with a fixed deadline, allowing students to apply to multiple schools.
• Deadline: Typically around January 1
• Notification: Usually by late March or early April.
• Number of applications one can submit: Under this process, there is no limit to the number of colleges a student can apply to.

Tips for Managing Deadlines:

• Create a Spreadsheet: List each school, the type of application you're submitting, and its corresponding deadline.
• Set Reminders: Use calendar alerts to keep track of approaching deadlines.
• Prioritize: Start with Rolling Decision schools, as most will offer students a response 3 to 5 weeks after application submission! Next, submit Early Decision or Early Action schools, as they have the earliest deadlines.

If you're looking for specific dates for the schools you're interested in, it's best to check their admissions websites!

If your child needs help building their list - let us know! Our CBA List Builder's package ​may be just what they/you need!

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Friends don’t let friends write their essays alone! Sign your child up for one of our in-person application and/or essay writing courses today. We start on 8/21!

​https://collegeboundadvising.org/college-essay-workshops/​

Did you miss last week's email about upcoming Open Houses? Email me, and I will resend it!

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This process is often held during college fairs, high school visits, or special events organized by the college or university.

​Delaware State will start offering their “Buzz in Wednesdays” starting at the end of September. Students who complete their online application prior to attending one of their “Buzz in” dates will receive an admissions decision on the spot!

Check out these videos from Colorado College about the college admissions process.

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Did you know that the oldest college mascot in the United States is the Yale bulldog, which has been in use since 1894? What is your favorite college Mascot?