With all these acronyms, anyone applying to college is bound to get confused. Let’s Uni is here to help you as we unfold what all these acronyms and application deadlines are!
The US college admissions process happens in several cycles to give the applicant several opportunities to apply and more efficiently process the numerous applications. Knowing your application deadline options gives you more information when creating your application schedule and prioritizing your top college choices.
November
Early Action (EA)
The EA application deadline is a non-binding option, meaning that you can still choose to attend another college if you are admitted. EA allows you to apply to schools earlier than the Regular Decision deadline and hear back sooner (typically mid-December).
When you apply during Early Action, you demonstrate your great desire to attend that college.
You can apply to multiple colleges Early Action.
Early Decision (ED)
In contrast to Early Action, Early Decision is a binding option. You can only apply to one school ED; if admitted, you must commit. Typically, students apply to their top-choice colleges ED, as your chances of getting accepted are 1.6x higher than the regular admission rate.
Some colleges may offer Early Decision I and Early Decision II, with varying deadlines.
Restricted Early Action (REA)
This application deadline is similar to EA but with a restriction. While it is non-binding, when applying to a college REA, you cannot apply to other colleges’ EA or ED application deadlines.
Like ED, students typically apply to their top-choice colleges REA, to demonstrate their high interest.
January-February
Regular Decision (RD)
The Regular Decision application deadline is when most students apply, and it is non-binding.
Commonly, students who apply for RD get their decisions by April 1st. By May 1st, you must commit to a university by paying your enrollment fee.
Throughout the Year
Rolling Admissions (RA)
Some colleges have a Rolling Admissions process, meaning that applications are reviewed as they are received. Decisions are made on a rolling basis. Therefore, there is no set date when you get your decision; you may be having breakfast and receiving the decision letter.
This process is helpful if you miss the other deadlines or want to get your decision sooner.
If you need help tackling all these application deadlines, LET’S UNI is here
to help YOU. Our top-notch consultants from all over the world have gone through the US college admissions process and can offer the most significant help to YOU!
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