Hey everyone! I'm starting to look into the college application process and I'm curious: when does the early application period typically begin for colleges? Thanks in advance!
Hello! The early application period generally starts around the beginning of the school year, with submission deadlines typically falling in the months of October and November. There are two main types of early applications: Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). Here's a brief overview of these types:
1. Early Decision: This is a binding application, meaning if you're accepted, you are obligated to attend that college. The deadline for ED applications is often around November 1, but be sure to check the specific dates for each college, as they may vary slightly.
2. Early Action: This is a non-binding application, and you'll have more time to decide whether or not you'd like to attend that college if admitted. Deadlines for EA applications are usually around October 15 or November 15, but again, specific deadlines may vary for different colleges.
It's essential to research the individual colleges you're interested in and pay close attention to their deadlines and application options. Don't forget that some colleges also offer unique options like Single-Choice Early Action (also called Restricted Early Action), where you can apply early to only one college while waiting for regular decision results from other schools.
Best of luck with your college application process!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.