Inside this post: What students need to know about the various types of college admissions and how to choose the one that is right for you.
Applying to College can be confusing, particularly in today’s complex admissions landscape.
You might be thinking, “Why are there multiple deadlines for the same school?” or “What is the difference between early decision and early action?”
Before you walk into the college admissions process believing you know the best answer for your child, know these options before starting the application process.
What are the categories of college admissions?
There are four main categories when it comes to college admissions. Each one has specific deadlines and rules to follow. There is no right or wrong ways to participate in the college admissions process. The goal is to find the one that suits your child’s unique personality and college application.
The five main admission types include Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admission.
- Early Decision
- Early Action (including restrictive early action)
- Regular Decision
- Rolling Admission
- Open Admission
What is early college admission and who should do it?
Colleges love early college admissions because it allows them to secure their incoming class early and can keep their admissions yield stats looking good. Early college admissions usually include:
Early Decision
Early decision has become more popular over the last decade, particularly for more competitive colleges. Some colleges even offer two opportunities to submit an application for early decision (ED1 and ED2).
Early Decision is a binding commitment to a college where the applicant agrees to withdraw any other applications you have submitted if you are accepted. You can only apply to one college for early decision (but you can apply to other schools simultaneously as early action or regular decision.)
ED is best for students who know they want to go to one school and one school only. As a family, you must be comfortable with the financial aid award and know that your Student can’t consider any other offers from other schools. Students who choose to submit an early decision application usually have a top-choice school and want an admission decision earlier which allows students to enjoy their senior year a little bit more.
Many competitive colleges give preference to early-decision candidates, so if your student sits in the average of their admissions standards, ED can be a viable option. For example, University A may have an admittance rate of only 21 percent during regular decision, but a 48 percent admittance rate during ED.
The downside of early decision usually is financial aid. When you apply early decision, you may not know how much financial aid you will receive and if the college is affordable (although some colleges give more financial aid to early decision applicants.)
Many students apply early decision and then have remorse over their choice. It is important to underscore that this agreement is legally binding unless you can demonstrate that you have not been awarded enough financial aid to attend, so you can not compare offers from other colleges. If a student tries to get out of an early decision offer for an inappropriate reason, such as changing their mind or finding a better offer, this may affect your chances of getting into other schools because your high school may not be allowed to forward transcripts or information to other colleges.
The typical ED deadline is mid-October to November 1, and decisions typically come in before the end of the year.
Some schools offer a second early decision option known as ED2. This is a viable option if you were denied acceptance into your top choice school, but you have a viable second option. This is also a binding agreement, and if you are accepted you must withdraw any remaining applications.
Related:The Admissions Process is Broken: 7 Tips to Help Talk About College With Your Teen
Early action (also made up of two options: restrictive or standard)
Early action means your student has the option to submit applications before the regular deadline. It’s a great way to get an admission decision from a college much earlier than usual.
One of the great aspects of early action is that the applications are non-binding, which means that your student does not have to attend that particular college if admitted. There are no limits or restrictions to the number of schools you can apply to, and once you decide to commit to one school, the other schools do not need to be notified (although it is polite to withdraw your applications so the other colleges can release your spot to another student.)
EA is best for students who know what schools they want to apply to early in the process. They can receive offers earlier and then make the decision that is best for them.
There is also something called Early Action (restrictive) or single-choice early action. This is another non-binding (not obligated to attend) option, however, you can only apply to a certain school early action. In essence, if your student applies using this method, your child may not apply to any other school during the early action period only. This type of admission is less restrictive than ED, but more restrictive than EA.
This is a common admission type for Ivy League or highly competitive schools. It can be a viable option for students who excel academically and want to attend an elite university but do not want to be forced to commit with a binding agreement from early decision. It tells schools that your student is highly interested but may need to consider other factors during the admissions process, such as comparing financial aid or acquiring scholarships.
Related: Want to Help Your Teen Get Into College? Help Them Find Their Passion
Regular Decision
Regular decision or regular admissions is the standard, typical option for most students. This process allows students to apply to as many schools as they would like. There is an application deadline (usually somewhere between January and mid-March) and offers are distributed between March and April. Students have until May 1 to either accept or decline.
RD is suited for students who may need more time to complete their applications (such as wanting to improve grades or test scores to receive merit money) or who may want additional time to compare financial offers. There are no restrictions and also gives additional time to attend events such as open houses or admitted students days at schools.
For certain colleges, there are lower admissions rates for regular decision candidates, and some schools may not notify you until late April on their decision depending on the amount of applications.
Deadlines: Start in January and admission decisions are sent out by mid-March.
Related: Eight Game-Changing Social Media Tips for College Admissions
Rolling Admissions
Rolling admission means a college releases admission decisions regularly — sometimes daily — instead of sending them all out on one target date. Some schools will give you a decision as soon as days, but the average timeframe is two to six weeks.
This means that an admissions committee is reviewing applications in batches instead of at one time.
Keep in mind, however, that applying early is beneficial with schools that offer rolling admissions. As classes fill up, fewer spots remain.
This is a great option if you have an anxious student that needs to know that they have an admission somewhere, or if you just want to complete the process early. It’s also good for students that want to compare financial aid packages as many schools with rolling admissions offer generous financial aid.
Students who gain acceptance via rolling admissions do not have to enroll until May 1, which also gives plenty of time to compare schools or consider if college is the right path.
Related: How to Take the Pressure Off of Starting Your Teen’s College Search
Open Admissions
Open admission means a school accepts any high school graduate regardless of grades or extracurricular activities until all spaces in the incoming class are filled.
Open admissions usually is offered by two-year community colleges or some state colleges. While the standards are minimum, schools with open admissions may still want students to meet certain requirements for specific programs or academic tracks (i.e., nursing or other trades.)
This is a great option for students who may not have a strong record of academic performance, those who need to save money before moving to a four-year institution, or those who may not be sure that college is right for them.
Related: Should Your Teen Take a Gap Year? Here Are 9 Solid Reasons to Answer Yes
Tips for an easier admissions process
To test or not to test?
After the pandemic, many colleges are now test-optional, making the application process much more competitive. Students who did not think they could gain entrance to certain schools because of sub-standard scores are now applying in droves Students are creating highly competitive resumes, believing they must excel beyond the classroom to be considered for top schools.
We recommend at least trying your hand at the SAT and/or ACT. Even if you decide not to submit your score, it can help you earn merit aid.
Know the deadlines
Once you have a target list of schools, go onto each one and determine what type of admissions they offer, and select the one that will work best for you, keeping in mind that applying early will give you access to the most financial aid, scholarship awards, and housing options. Also, don’t forget to complete the FAFSA to earn awards
When possible, tour
Nothing beats stepping on the campus and getting a certain type of feeling. Touring will also show the school that you are interested and gives you a chance to speak with an admissions counselor.
Understand the different types of applications
Some colleges use the CommonApp, some the Coalition, and still others have a specific application right off their website. Learn the best way to apply. Also make sure to see if you qualify for an application fee waiver or what it costs to apply.
Deferred admission
Deferment is permission from a college that has accepted you to postpone enrolling in the college. The postponement is usually for up to one year. Deferred admission usually allows a student to take a gap year for work, mental or physical health conditions, to pursue travel or other educational experiences, or family obligations. Deferred admission is at the discretion of the school.
The college admission process doesn’t have to be stressful
Well, maybe it’s a little stressful, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Remember, there is a college out there for everyone. Just keep an open mind and explore all your options.
The best way to prepare your child for the admission process is to understand your options and then pick the one that’s best for you.
Are you starting the college admissions process?
We highly recommend starting by reading this post, “Who Gets In and Why” Is a Must-Read for Families Starting the College Admissions Process. You can also find the book Who Gets In and Why on Amazon and other online retailers.
*This post may contain affiliate links where we earn a small commission for purchases made from our site.
Raising teens and tweens is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some other posts parents found helpful:
Are AP Classes Worth the Stress for Your High School Student?
College Course Selection Guidance For Teens To Help Them Succeed Their Freshman Year
Six Simple Ways to Support Your High School Junior During This Crazy Year
The Best SAT Prep Books To Help Your Teen Succeed
The post From EA to RD: What Is the Right College Admissions Path for Your Student appeared first on parentingteensandtweens.com.
