Below are some important terms used in the application and admissions process by most colleges and universities.  It is important that you understand them and adhere to their deadlines. 

Application Deadline:  In the application literature for each college, you will find a date by which all completed applications are due.  In some cases, the date will be a postmark date; in others it will be a date by which all materials must be received.  If this is not specific, you should assume that all materials must be received by the date indicated. 

Early Decision:  Students who have a strong academic record and test scores and have decided on your first choice of college may apply under this plan binding the college’s application deadline.  Under this plan, you make a commitment to enroll in this college/university if you are accepted and withdraw any other applications you have submitted.  Decisions will be made on your record through the junior year.  Admissions decisions (admit, defer, not admit; which will vary with each college) will be mailed in mid-December.

Early Action:  This plan allows you to apply early to a college and receive one of three possible decisions in December ---admit, defer, or not admit.  If you are accepted, your place in the class and room in the residence hall will be held for you until May 1st of your senior year.  If you are deferred, you will be reviewed in the regular action pool and receive your decision letter in late March or early April.

Rolling Admission:  As soon as your application is complete (meaning that the forms, fee, and all required credentials have been received and processed), a decision on that application is made and you are notified by email or mail.  It is generally advantageous for you to apply well in advance of the posted deadline, because it is impossible to know how quickly the available spaces in the freshman class fill up.

Regular Decision:  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.  The most selective colleges will mail their decision letters during the first week of April.

Wait List:  The decision used by selective colleges that do not initially offer or deny you admission, but extend the possibility of admission to a later date (usually late May through July 1st).  You must deposit at another college prior to May 1st, however, to insure that you have a place at another college in August.  (Discuss all wait list situations with your counselor.  Second semester grades can be critical to your acceptance.)

Candidate Reply Date:  May 1st is the national deadline by which all admitted students must inform colleges of their intention to enroll or not enroll.  A non-refundable deposit is due by this date.  This is a final deadline unless a college admissions officer has granted you an extension.  In addition to notifying the school you will attend of your intentions, you are also obligated to notify all other schools to which you have been accepted of your plans not to attend.  Sending a deposit to more than one college is not ethical and will jeopardize your acceptances at each of the colleges involved.

Important Deadlines