Early Decision
You submit your
application usually by November 1st.
When you apply Early Decision, you sign a binding agreement that if your
application is approved, you will attend the college and you will withdraw any
other college applications you have sent.
Early Action
You submit your application usually by November 1st. When you apply Early Action, the college promises response before regular applicants. However, you make no promise to attend and you are free to apply to other schools.
Single-Choice Early Action
This is a new option offered by only a few institutions, including
Harvard, Yale and Stanford. You agree to
file only one early application, but
are free to apply to as many colleges as you want under regular admission. This option is advantageous if you need to
compare financial aid packages. Although
you receive early notification of the college’s decision, you are not obligated
to attend the school if accepted.
Rolling Admissions
Rolling Admission schools process applications on a first-come, first-served basis and notify students within a few weeks of receiving the application.