Come fall of senior year, as their college applications are wrapping up, seniors have another mammoth question to ask: “Which application date should I choose?” The college application process does not consist solely of the Common App, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. A few significant details to consider are the three main application dates, known as early decision, early action, and regular decision.

The differences between these three seem straightforward, but their effects have a long-term impact into a college’s decision. Applying at certain times can benefit students who choose wisely. For instance, the admissions rates may change between early decision and regular application. The University of Pennsylvania accepts 28-34% of early decision applicants, but only 13-15% of its regular decision candidates. Colleges can put students who apply early action into a more competitive applicant pool, so waiting to apply regular decision can be a smart choice as well.

Early decision application closes in November, and universities typically notify students by mid-December of the university’s decision. If accepted, contracts bind students to attend that school, so seniors may apply to only one school early decision.

“If you believe you’ve found the school of your dreams and you really know you want to go there, you can apply, but most of our students do not apply early decision,” SHS Director of School Couseling, Ms. Rundle, told a group of juniors at the recent Common Application review meeting.

While applying early decision can be beneficial, it closes a student’s doors to other options they may later wish they had considered. “With early action, students are not bound anywhere, and from a financial aid standpoint students keep the ability to weigh different financial aid packages as they come in,” said Ms. Rundle.

The next application deadline is early action. It, like early decision, is due in November and colleges notify students in December, but is non-binding. Applying early action can get stress out of the way during the beginning of senior year, as students won’t be scrambling for transcripts over winte vacation and get decisions more quickly. At SHS, about 45% of students apply early action to at least one college. However, it is usually a more competitive applicant pool, so colleges may defer students to the regular application pool. Also, students applying early do not send their first semester grades with their applications, an opportunity to show academic significant improvement.

The regular decision deadline is in January or February of senior year, and schools notify students of their fate by April. If you need to boost your application with a few achievements made over the winter, this is the most beneficial deadline for you. It is also the most popular; most students will apply to at least one of their schools using regular decision.

How do students sift through this information to choose a deadline?

“It really depends on the student and circumstances, that’s why it’s important to start early and stay organized. It really is a full time job,” Ms. Rundle said. By setting time each week to begin applications or talk to your teachers, the task gets done efficiently.  

SHS has a plethora of tools to help students get through the college process. Students should think carefully about using application dates to their advantage as senior year moves ahead.