Hey everyone! As I'm deep into my college search, I keep seeing a bunch of abbreviations and I'm not sure what they all mean. Could someone break down the most common ones for me? I'm talking about stuff like 'EA', 'ED', 'RD', etc. Thanks in advance!
Absolutely, knowing these abbreviations definitely streamlines understanding the college application process. Here's a rundown on the common ones:
1. EA: Early Action - This is a type of application deadline where you can send in your application sooner (typically in the fall), hear back well in advance, and you're not obligated to enroll if you get accepted.
2. ED: Early Decision - This also allows you to apply earlier and hear back sooner, but this is binding. This means if you get accepted, you are committed to attend that school (unless the school's financial aid offer is too low for you to attend).
3. RD: Regular Decision - The standard application deadline (usually in late fall or winter), committing to a response date in the spring. If you're accepted, you decide by May 1st if you'll enroll.
4. SCEA/REA: Single-Choice Early Action/Restrictive Early Action - This is when an early action plan restricts a student from applying early (either ED, EA, REA, or SCEA) to other schools. If admitted, the student is not obligated to enroll.
5. SCE: Single Choice Early - Similar to SCEA/REA, students apply earlier and can't apply early to other schools, but they don't have to enroll if accepted.
6. Rolling Admissions: Schools with this policy review applications as they come in and usually make decisions within a few weeks or months, rather than waiting to judge all applications concurrently.
7. Deferred Admission: This occurs when a school postpones an applicant's admission for a semester or year, often used by students taking gap years.
8. COA: Cost of Attendance - The total cost of attending a school, including tuition, room, board, books, and personal expenses.
Hope this helps and good luck with your applications!
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