Making Sense of All Those College Admission Plans and Acronyms

Seniors, as you begin to apply to college, it is important to understand the menu of admissions options out there.  It can be confusing, as each college or university determines its own dates.   Make sure you understand the admissions program you are applying to, as well as any restrictions it may pose. 

Remember, you will have until May 1st to decide which college you want to attend, (unless you apply and are accepted under an Early Decision plan).  Below is a general explanation of most application plans.  Be sure to visit individual college websites for complete information.

Admission Types:

Rolling Admission – This means that once your completed application and supporting materials are received, (test scores, recommendations, essays, etc. – when required), they will be evaluated and you will receive anywhere from 48 hours to 6 weeks, depending on the time of year you apply.

Regular Admission (with deadline date) – This means that all materials must be postmarked by that date in order to be considered for admission.  Some regular admission applications are saved for consideration until the deadline and considered as a “pool” of applicants.

Priority deadline – Many state schools have adopted this model.  Often November 1st, Priority deadlines indicate the date by which materials must be postmarked in order for you to be given the best consideration for acceptance.  Popular programs can fill and/or become more selective by the second or regular deadline.  If you are applying to one of these schools, be sure your materials are in by the priority date.

(EA) Early Action/Early Notification – This is an agreement with the college that if you get all of your application materials to them by the EA deadline, (usually Nov. 1st or Nov. 15th), you will receive a decision “early” (around December, instead of April).  You still have until May 1st to decide on your school.

Restrictive Early Action (Also referred to as Single-Choice Early Action) –

This is not common, but usually employed by some highly selective schools.  It follows the same guidelines as EA above, with one caveat:  You may only apply to their school early.  Therefore, if you apply to School A under this plan, you still have until May 1st to decide; however, you cannot apply to any other school EA or ED.

Early Decision –This is the one where you can gain advantage, (at some schools), but give up an important right in the process.  Under ED you agree that if accepted, you will withdraw all other applications and attend the ED school.  You are required to send in your enrollment deposit immediately, thereby forfeiting the May 1st consideration date.  You also will not be able to compare financial aid packages, as those come in or about April.   You must be absolutely certain about the school if you apply ED.  Also, be aware that at some schools, applying ED can actually be more competitive, when the ED “pool of applicants” is considered separately from the general application pool.  (You can ask the admissions office of their policy on this.)

Decision Types:

As you begin to receive decisions, it is important to understand the following types of admits:

Admit – Congratulations; you’re going to college!  You have until May 1st to send your enrollment deposit in, but be aware that housing deposits and housing priority varies.  Be sure to ready your admission letter and check the school’s website. 

Defer – This is better than deny.  It means that the school cannot admit you right now, but that you are still being considered.  You may need to send midterm (7th semester senior year grades), any new information not already in your application packet, or just wait because the school has too many applicants to respond to everyone on the earlier side. 

Waitlist – This usually occurs anywhere from late fall to close to May 1st and later, and even after you’ve first been deferred.  It means that the school may or may not have room for you, depending on how many deposits they receive by May 1st.  You must deposit at another school, as colleges and universities may or may not go to their wait list in a given year.  Some schools will tell you what number you are on the list and whether they went to their wait list last year, if you ask.

Deny – It’s time to let this school go and understand, though it’s difficult, that schools balance their need for all types of students.  They often cannot admit everyone who they know would succeed at their school.  Some institutions have an appeal process, so call or check their website.  However, if appealing, you must send in additional, new information not already in your application materials.

In the end, there are many colleges where you will be successful and happy.  It’s all about what best fits your needs and those of your family situation.  How you take advantage of what your school offers, academically and personally, will determine future success.