The admissions process brings some confusing terminology. Educate yourself with our handy guide.
Regular Decision (RD)– Choose this if you need the most time to complete your application before the deadline.
Early Action (EA)– Students applying EA usually must complete their applications a month or more earlier than RD students. Advantage? Students applying EA often have a higher chance of admission and more scholarship potential. Applying EA is not binding (i.e. you don’t HAVE to attend the college if you get in an on Early Action application) and you can typically apply to multiple schools via EA.
Early Decision (ED)– Don’t choose this unless you KNOW FOR SURE this is the college you want to attend. ED is LEGALLY BINDING, and you MUST attend that university or risk being sued by that university. Applying ED requires a waiver form containing your signature, parent signature, and college counselor signature.
Rolling Admissions– This means the university doesn’t have a hard deadline for when applications are due. Rolling admission tends to be more of a policy for schools that are seen as less difficult to get in to, but bear in mind there are some excellent programs at schools with rolling admissions.
Direct Admission/Direct Admit– Normally, when someone starts college, they don’t actually formally begin taking classes in their major until they have been accepted into the major (proving themselves with prerequisite classes and GPA requirements). Direct Admit means you are applying directly into the major you intend to pursue, thus starting the major as a freshman instead of sophomore. Direct Admit programs can be extremely prestigious and competitive, and they can be really smart to pursue. (Direct Admit also usually comes with other perks, like special research opportunities, easier ability to double-major, and extra scholarships.) Direct Admit applications are usually due by EA deadlines.