Types of Applications

Students apply by a specific deadline (usually in January-February) and colleges notify all students after reviewing the pool of applicants (usually in March-April)

Students apply in the fall (usually November) or in a second round, if available in January, and commit to a binding agreement that if accepted, they will attend and withdraw all other applications. Colleges notify students in a shorter period of time (December for the fall applications).

Students apply in the early fall (usually October-November) and colleges notify students in late fall. Unlike ED, students are able to apply to other colleges and do not need to commit to attend until May 1st.

Students apply in the fall (usually November) and the application is not binding. However, the college or university places restrictions on the students’ other applications, not allowing students to apply ED to another school and sometimes to early action programs other than their state university. It is important to check the colleges’ websites for specific limitations.

Students are invited to apply prior to the regular decision deadline and usually receive notification in December/January.

Generally used by large public universities, students apply anytime in the application period, which can extend well into the spring. Each applicant is evaluated on an individual basis. Because the class fills over time, it benefits students to apply early in the year.

Typically used by community colleges, nearly all high school applicants are accepted. Students may enroll in any term during the year.