Hey y'all! So, I'm kinda overwhelmed... When are the typical application deadlines for universities? I've heard of Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, but what do these all mean... and, when are they usually due? Also, does anyone have tips for managing all these application timelines and not missing a beat? I'd really appreciate it!
Sure, it can definitely be a bit overwhelming when you're new to this whole process!
Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), and Regular Decision (RD) are all different types of deadlines you'll see when applying to college.
With Early Decision (ED), you're making a binding commitment to attend the school if you're accepted, and the deadline for these applications is usually in mid-November.
Early Action (EA), on the other hand, is non-binding, meaning you can apply and get an earlier admission decision, but you're not obligated to attend if you're accepted. Like ED, EA deadlines are generally in mid-November as well.
Regular Decision (RD) deadlines are typically January 1st or 2nd of the year you plan to attend college, though the dates can vary depending on the school. With RD, you will typically hear back about your admission status by April.
To manage all these timelines effectively, it's crucial to stay organized! Here's one way to do it: create a spreadsheet where you'll list all your colleges of interest, their EA, ED, or RD deadline, any other requirements (like specific essays), and when you've completed and submitted each part. Check this spreadsheet regularly to make sure you're staying on track, and allow time for the unexpected, so you're not rushing to submit applications at the last minute.
But remember: it's not just about getting applications in on time. You also want to submit the best application you're capable of. So, don't put things off till the last minute. Aim to have all your applications complete a couple of weeks before they're due. This will allow you some wiggle room to handle any unforeseen issues like technical glitches, and will give you time to review everything before you hit 'submit'.
Give yourself plenty of time, stay organized, and don't forget to breathe—you've got this!
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