Which College Admission Process Best Suits You?

Regular Decision

Definition: 

Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time. 

Commitment: 

Binding 

Rolling Admission

Definition: 

Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle. 

Commitment: 

Non-binding 

Early Action (EA)

Definition: 

Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date. 

Commitment: 

Non-binding 

Early Decision (ED)

Definition: 

Students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early.

Commitment:

Binding

Restrictive Early Action (REA)

Definition:

Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1 to confirm.

Commitment:

Non-binding