The application deadline is the date by which all completed applications are due to the college. In some cases the date will be a postmark date; in others it will be a date by which all material must be received. It will be helpful to read the section called, “How to Apply” on each college’s website.

Early Action – Early Action is an admission plan offered by some highly selective colleges which allows the most qualified students the comfort of a letter of acceptance in December. The student does not have to withdraw other applications and does not have to accept or refuse the EA offer of admission until May 1.

Early Decision – Early Decision is a binding admission plan that requires an early application (typically October or November) and promises a reply by December or January. There are two types of ED plans: (1) Single Choice, in which the student is allowed to apply to only one college and (2) First Choice, in which the student may apply elsewhere but agrees to withdraw other applications if accepted by the ED school. This plan is recommended only if the applicant is absolutely sure of his or her college choice. If accepted, the student is ethically obligated to attend if sufficient financial aid is offered.

Rolling Admission – An admission plan in which applications are evaluated very soon after they are completed in the Admission Office. The applicant can receive a decision very quickly but is not obligated to attend.

Regular Decision – is the process whereby a college accepts applications from prospective students and delays the admission decision until all applications from the entire applicant pool have been received. Decision letters are mailed or emailed to applicants, all at once, traditionally in late March or early April.

Wait List – The Waitlist is a group of qualified students who may be offered admission by a college at a later date, if space becomes available. Wait-listed students should initially accept another offer of admission and discuss with the college counselor ways to handle the wait-list situation.

Candidate’s Reply Date – May 1 is the date by which a student must give all accepting colleges a definite “yes” or “no,” and send a deposit to the final-choice college.