Fall, the busiest time of year for high school seniors, filled with college applications and BIG CHOICES! Before you can consider where to apply, it’s when that weighs on you.
After fun-filled campus visits, you start picturing football games, late-night study sessions, and coffee shop runs. Then comes the heart-thumping question: When should I apply to improve my chances?
Some colleges offer ED (Early Decision), some offer EA (Early Action), and all have RD (Regular Decision or Rolling Decision) dates. All these choices come with deadline dates for your required documents. As an applicant, it is in YOUR best interest to decide which way to apply is BEST FOR YOU!
There is a method to the Madness!
Let’s start with EA and ED. You are the student who has successfully taken the ACT/SAT 3+ times, worked hard on your GPA, extracurriculars, and did your visits early. You eagerly narrowed in on your choice of schools. Your college and university list is within your grasp; you WANT to go there, and you can visualize yourself as part of their campus. You have created a place where you can settle on EA or ED.
If you have NO doubt that one college or university is for you, you want to let them know with your application status by selecting ED. This is a binding agreement between you and the college. If you’re uncertain which college or university is the right fit, but your application is ready, submitting EA is in your best interest
So, when does RD make sense? If you are planning to take additional SAT/ACTs, want to submit your first semester grades, or need extra time on essays and additional college visits, then these are valid and valuable reasons to submit your applications Regular Decision.
CHOOSING your timeframe WISELY!
Each choice brings excitement, commitment, and a bit of stress. Remember, you’ve already done the hard work to get here. Take a moment to appreciate that, then step forward into YOUR CHOICE with confidence!
