When Do Early Admissions Start?
Early admissions are a popular option for college-bound high school students who want to improve their chances of being accepted into their dream schools. But they’re also complicated and can be misleading.
Students need to understand the differences between early action and early decision, as well as when they should use each strategy. And it’s important to remember that some colleges restrict their early admissions process.
December
The start of early admissions is always in December, which means it’s time to get your senior year application in order and submit any letters of recommendation you may need. It also means getting your SAT or ACT test scores in. Fortunately, most colleges will notify you of your admissions decision by mid-December. This will give you plenty of time to hone in on your college preferences before the national May 1 decision deadline.
Another important element of the early admissions process is early financial aid consideration. Students who apply by the ED deadline and are admitted receive a financial aid package in mid-December that can be used to cover any tuition, fees, and other expenses for the upcoming fall semester. If you’re applying for EA-restrictive schools, you may also have to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the ED deadline in order to be considered for need-based financial aid.
Early action applications are typically due in November, with notifications expected mid-December. They’re similar to regular decision applications, but you’ll have the option of accepting an offer or deferring it to the regular application pool. The possibility of deferment is a unique feature to this type of admissions decision, as it gives you extra time to strengthen your application before the next review date. This is especially helpful for students who are very interested in a particular college but may be worried about the chances of acceptance. If you’re deferred, it can be very helpful to reach out to the admissions office and ask for any additional information you may need to strengthen your application before the next round of reviews.
January
Early admissions can be a real time saver for families that want to start planning for college while still in high school. The best time to apply is in the summer, allowing you the time to write that perfect application essay, gather letters of recommendation and take the SAT or ACT.
The most common deadline for early admissions is typically in the fall, with some colleges offering two early decision deadlines. One of the most exciting things about early admissions is that you can be sure your application will be reviewed by the admissions committee before the competition. This means you’ll have the opportunity to see if you have what it takes to attend St. John’s and you may even be able to choose your residence hall and your courses before other students begin their journey to campus. As with any admissions process, it’s important to know which of the various early application options is right for you. If you’re unsure about which route to take, you can always call the admissions office and ask for a personalized recommendation.
February
Early admissions are a boon to students who are planning ahead. This is because they give students more time to submit applications and letters of recommendation and make sure they’ve taken all the classes they need to graduate on time. Having more time to work on their college application also gives students more time to prepare for interviews and to learn about the colleges they’re applying to.
Depending on the school, early admissions can be applied to both freshman and transfer applicants. The process is more pronounced at universities with a strong history of accepting incoming students from a wide range of high schools.
Some colleges have specific early application deadlines for each type of admissions program. These dates are usually announced on a school by school basis and may include specific criteria such as number of qualified applicants, number of open seats in the college, or eligibility for certain types of aid.
There are two main categories of early admissions: early decision and early action. The latter is more common, and allows you to choose one college that will let you take classes before your senior year.
The most important thing to remember about the early decision (or early action) route is that it’s a binding commitment. This means that if you’re admitted, you’re bound to attend unless you’ve already received a scholarship or other financial aid.
It’s also worth noting that a large number of colleges have their own unique early admissions programs. This makes it important to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.
The best way to figure out whether early admissions will be right for you is to do your homework and talk to your guidance counselor. This will help you determine the best time to apply to the school of your dreams. The College Board’s early admissions calendar can be a great resource to keep track of the most important milestones along the way.
March
Many colleges offer early admissions, which means that you’ll get your results much earlier than you would during regular application season. This allows you to solidify your college plans before the start of the spring semester and ease the stress of waiting until April for decisions.
The most common early admissions plan is called “early action” or “early decision.” These programs are a way for students to apply and gain admission to one or more schools before the regular deadline. Currently, some 450 colleges have an early admissions program.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing and applying to a school with early action or early decision. For starters, it’s important to know whether you’ll be able to receive the average financial aid package at the school.
For the most part, colleges do their best to provide enough financial aid to help you afford the college of your choice, and it’s usually a good idea to confirm this before you choose to apply early action or early decision.
However, it’s also worth noting that early action and early decision are a little less flexible than the regular application process. You’ll often have to submit your materials by a specific date, and if you miss that deadline, your application might be put into the regular decision pool.
The early action and early decision options work best for high-performing students who are passionate about their top-choice college. These applicants have a strong sense of why they want to attend the particular institution and are competitive with their SAT/ACT scores, high school GPAs, and course load.
April
April is the last month for many students to apply to college and receive their admission decisions. This is one of the widest application windows, and it provides plenty of time for students to gather materials, prepare essays, and take tests.
If you’re planning to apply early, you should start by considering your options. There are three major types of early admissions programs: Early Action, Early Decision, and Restrictive Early Action (REA).
In addition to these options, many colleges also offer rolling admissions. This allows admissions officers to review applications as they come in, and students can expect their decisions within four to six weeks of submission.
Most rolling admissions deadlines are between December and April, but some schools set them earlier or later than others. This is especially true for students applying for transfer admissions.
When applying early, you should plan to submit all of your application and academic materials by an approximate date determined by the school — typically November 1. This is the earliest that you can ensure your applications and documents will arrive in time for an admissions officer to review them.
The earlier you apply, the more likely it is that you will be accepted. But be sure to check the admissions policies of the schools you’re interested in to ensure that they don’t require you to submit any additional materials before they make their decision.
In some cases, a college may require you to send an additional letter of recommendation. If so, be sure to talk to your teachers and counselors about the letter before it’s due and ask if they have anything else they can add to strengthen your application.