Hi everyone! I'm considering applying for early admission for some colleges. Could someone please enlighten me on when the early admission timelines usually are for colleges?
The timeline for early admission varies depending on the school and the type of early admission offered, but there are some general dates that most schools adhere to. Keep in mind these can always vary year over year, so the best bet is to check each school’s admissions website for the most up-to-date information.
1. Early Decision (ED): This is a binding agreement that stipulates if a student is accepted to the school, they agree to enroll. The application deadline for ED is typically November 1 or November 15. Students generally receive their admission decision in mid-December.
2. Early Action (EA): This is not a binding agreement, so if a student is accepted to the school, they are not obligated to enroll. The application deadline for EA often coincides with the ED deadlines of November 1 or 15, but the decision is likely relayed a bit later - usually by late December or early January.
3. Restricted Early Action (REA): Also known as Single-Choice Early Action, this is similar to EA, but the student can only apply early to one private school. The deadlines are usually similar to ED and EA, with decisions being shared in December or January.
Remember that financial aid documents, such as the FAFSA and CSS profile, also have early deadlines that usually coincide with the admission application deadlines, so make sure to get those in on time as well.
As previously stated, it's essential to confirm these dates directly with each college because there can be exceptions. For example, some institutions might have Early Decision II deadlines that fall in January. Lastly, don't forget that even when applying early, you still need to send your official test scores (if required by the school) and prepare all the components of your application, including having your essay, recommendations, and transcripts ready to submit.
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