Different Types of Admission Plans

Regular Decision, Rolling Admission, Early Action, Early Decision… What is the difference? 

And which choice is right for me? Read below to find out!

Non-restrictive/Non-binding Admissions Plans: These admissions plans allow students to apply to multiple institutions. Students have until May 1 to consider their options and confirm enrollment at one institution.

1. Regular Decision (RD): Students apply by a specified deadline and receive a decision in a clearly stated timeframe. This deadline is typically on or around January 1st or January 15th. This admission plan has the advantage of allowing students to include their first semester senior year grades; however, RD is often more selective than EA or ED. Students typically receive RD admissions decisions by late March. RD may also be a beneficial choice for students who want to compare financial aid packages from multiple institutions.

2. Rolling Admission: Colleges review applications as they are submitted and provide admission decisions throughout the admission cycle. This application type often opens early in the fall, around September or October.. Students typically receive a decision within four to six weeks of submitting their application. Applying early in the rolling admissions cycle maximizes a student’s chance of acceptance.

3. Early Action (EA): Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the college's regular response date. This deadline is often October 15th, November 1st, or November 15th. Students typically receive decisions in December or January. This application type has the advantage of allowing students to apply and receive decisions early without committing them to a particular institution. Other advantages of EA are that acceptance rates are usually higher for EA than for RD, and EA sometimes puts students in an optimal position for merit scholarship consideration.

Restrictive/Binding: When applying under a restrictive or binding admissions type, students are responsible for following restrictions (defined below).

1. Early Decision (ED): Students make a commitment to a first-choice college where, if admitted, they are required to enroll. Students can only apply ED to one school. The ED deadline is often November 1st or November 15th. If accepted, students must withdraw all other (non-ED) applications they may have submitted. This admission plan has the advantage of offering a higher acceptance rate for applicants than regular decision. Some schools value ED more than others, choosing to fill their freshmen class with a majority of ED applicants. If you are absolutely set on one school, this might be the right choice for you! 

   1. Early Decision I (ED I): Typically, the ED I deadline is in November. Applying ED I is the ultimate way to show “demonstrated interest” in your top-choice university. 

   2. Early Decision II (ED II): ED II is binding, just like ED I, but the deadline is later, often on January 1st. Decisions are typically released in February for ED II. ED II may be slightly more selective than ED I. Students who were deferred or rejected from their ED I choice may still be able to apply ED II (a second chance at Early Decision). Students may also have improved scores or a higher GPA from first semester senior year to include in their ED II application. 

2. Restrictive Early Action (REA): This admission type is restrictive, but NOT binding. REA may also be referred to as “Single Choice Early Action (SCEA).” Students apply to a single college of preference and receive a decision early. With this application type, students are typically restricted from applying ED, EA, or REA to other colleges. It’s important to understand each institution’s guidelines. If offered enrollment, students have until May 1 to confirm. This application type sends a strong message to an institution that they are the student’s first choice without actually binding the student to attend. 

Selecting the right plan depends on a student’s individual circumstances, preferences, readiness, and a variety of other factors. Planning ahead is crucial when determining your admissions plans. Schedule a meeting with a CACG counselor to discuss the best path for you!