51�Թ�

The college application calendar comes with its own alphabet–RD, EA, REA, ED, EA2, ED2–and each label has real consequences for when your student applies, when they hear back, and what they’re agreeing to in return. Let’s talk about the timing of your student’s college application submissions, what the different options and opportunities are, and how they might affect outcomes.

Regular Decision (RD)

This option is the most common and most straightforward. Students apply by the deadlines–generally sometime between mid-November and early February–and receive an admission decision usually sometime in March or early April.

Rolling Admission

A subcategory of RD is what we call Rolling Admission. Some colleges process applications as they are received, often getting decisions to students within a few weeks. The big caveat here is that the student should apply as soon as they are ready, because schools can fill their spots early, especially for selective majors.

Early Action (EA)

Early Action (EA) also lives in the RD family. Think of it as Regular Decision for those who are prepared early. Generally, EA applications are due between mid-October and early December, and decisions are sent out between mid-December and early February. There are not usually significant admission advantages to applying EA, but if the student is ready to submit, it’s a great way to get some answers sooner.

Restrictive (or Single Choice) Early Action (REA/SCEA)

A very small group of U.S. colleges offer this option, which is a subset of EA. Essentially, the school puts some restrictions on applicants–typically, requiring that the student apply to only that one Restrictive Early Action (REA) school, with no other ED or EA applications during the early rounds. But each of the REA/SCEA schools sets its own set of rules and regulations, so it is crucial to carefully read and follow the instructions that each school provides.

Early Decision (ED)

The big outlier is Early Decision (ED). This is a binding contract between the student and the college. Essentially, the college says, “Apply to us early, we’ll let you know early, and if we accept you, you MUST attend our school AND you must withdraw all other applications.” The big upside to ED is that, at most colleges, applying ED offers a significant increase in admission likelihood–often double or triple the chances. But there are equally big downsides. Your student will never know where else they could have been admitted, and your family will not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers. Once you’re in, you’re going–with the one caveat that the financial aid offer from the college has to be “reasonable.” Parents, students, and school counselors all have to sign the ED agreement, and reneging on an offer can have repercussions both for your student and the entire high school.

EA2 and ED2

Some colleges also offer “second chance” options for both EA and ED. EA2 and ED2 are essentially an opportunity for students who either weren’t ready to hit submit in the first round, or who were denied by a first-choice ED school, to apply under another early round. EA2 and ED2 will usually get an answer back to the student a month or more before the RD release. One important rule: if your student applied ED1 to any school, they CANNOT apply ED2 until after they have received a decision from the ED1 school. It is critical to work with the high school counselor on the timing of an ED2 application, especially if the deadline falls during winter break.

Choosing What’s Right for Your Student

There are many nuances to all of these decision plans. Talk with your school counselor or an 51�Թ� member independent educational consultant to map out which deadline structure is the best choice for your student’s specific situation.

By Anne Holmdahl, CEP, 51�Թ� Professional Member (WA)