Hi everyone! I'm starting to plan out my college applications and I'm wondering when the typical deadlines are? I know there are different types of deadlines like early decision, early action, and regular decision, but what are the general time frames for each of those? Thanks!
Hello! It's good that you're planning ahead for your college applications. You're correct that there are different types of application deadlines, and here's a general breakdown for each one:
1. Early Decision (ED): This is a binding application option, meaning if you're accepted to the college, you commit to attending. Early Decision deadlines generally fall around November 1st or November 15th, with decisions being released in mid-December. Some schools may also have a second round of Early Decision, called ED II, with deadlines typically around January 1st, and decisions released in mid-February.
2. Early Action (EA): This is a non-binding option, so you're not required to attend the college if you're accepted. Early Action deadlines are usually around the same time as Early Decision, around November 1st or November 15th. Decisions are often released in mid to late December, but can vary depending on the college. There is also a variant called Restrictive Early Action or Single-Choice Early Action, where you can only apply to one college early, but it's still non-binding.
3. Regular Decision (RD): Regular Decision is another non-binding option; deadlines for this type of application typically fall on January 1st or January 15th. The notification of decisions can range from late February to early April, depending on the college.
It's crucial to note that these are general time frames, and specific deadlines can vary from college to college. To get the exact deadlines for the schools you're interested in, visit their respective websites or contact their admissions offices directly. As you start organizing your applications, don't forget to also plan for other important dates such as submitting standardized test scores, financial aid forms, and letters of recommendation.
Best of luck with your applications!
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