Ever wondered why US Universities have multiple application submission deadlines? What do they mean? Who should apply to each of these deadlines? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Early Decision (ED):
What is it?
A binding application submission, usually including a signed statement by the student and the school personnel submitting official documents (the Counselor or the Principal/AssistantPrincipal), stating that if admitted to the university, the student agrees to matriculate at this university and withdraw all other pending applications. Students may only submit ONE ED application during an admissions cycle.
Who Should Apply Under This Deadline?
Students who have ONE CLEAR FIRST CHOICE school, where they would 100% like to attend if they got in.
Students who do not have a strong Financial Need. ED packages are usually less competitive than their EA and RD counterparts.
Students who have all of their standardized test scores, letters of recommendations, essays, and other application materials ready early.
Early Action (EA) /Restrictive Early Action(REA):
What is it?
An early deadline that allows students to submit multiple applications and receive their admissions decisions before the regular deadlines (usually by December). Some REA schools limit the number or types of additional applications that students can apply to.
Who Should Apply Under This Deadline?
Students who have all of their standardized test scores, letters of recommendations, essays, and other application materials ready early. Students who would like to receive their admissions decision much sooner than the usual decision time (usually March-April).
Rolling Admissions:
What is it?
An ongoing application cycle that allows students to submit applications as and when they are ready. Rolling admissions schools usually provide decisions within certain time-frames of receiving the application. Some competitive academic programs and scholarships may have earlier deadlines, so students should review individual requirements and deadlines within the university. Often times, applying early to a rolling admissions university means better chances of admissions/scholarship.
Who Should Apply Under This Deadline?
Students who have all their application materials in place. Rolling admissions tend to remain open until after the regular decisions have been announced, allowing students to generate and submit “last-minute” applications to universities of their choice.
Regular Decision (RD):
What is it?
A regular deadline with little to no restrictions. Most university applications are available in early August, with regular admissions deadlines between Dec 15 and Feb 15. Admissions decisions are normally released between late-February to mid-April.
Who Should Apply Under This Deadline?
Anyone can apply for this deadline. Some programs and scholarships within the university may have additional criteria or earlier deadlines for submission of certain documents. It is best to consult individual university websites.