The Application

There are often several methods to choose from when completing and filing an application. Some colleges print their own applications.  Often students can download a college's application from the institution's website, or students can request to have an application mailed to them.  Many institutions now subscribe to the Common Application, a form that is accepted universally by the schools that subscribe to the program. Students can create an account and save their work right on the Common Application Website.  With the wonders of modern technology, a student may file her application electronically (rather than sending it through the U.S. Mail).  Regardless of the form a student uses, we encourage her to print out a copy of her application and to save the paper copy in her records.

Admissions Plans

There are a variety of admission plans used today.  It is the student's responsibility to determine which plans are offered by the schools to which she will be applying.  Each student will create her own application timetable with the college counselor.  Choice of application plans can be influenced by many factors (financial need is often a significant factor).

Early Action

Under this plan, a student may submit her credential early to a college, usually by November 1st of her senior year, and she will be notified of her status by Mid-December.  A student may choose to apply early action if: her credentials are in good order (she has a strong transcript, solid test scores, and her application is polished and ready to submit) and she can clearly state that the college is one of her top choices. This plan is nonbinding, and a student has the option to apply to other colleges and to wait until May 1st to respond to an offer of admission.

Early Decision

Under this plan a student may submit her credentials early to a college, usually by November 1st of her senior year, and she will be notified of her status by Mid-December.  A student may choose to apply early action if her credentials are in good order (she has a strong transcript, solid test scores, and her application is polished and ready to submit), and she can clearly state that the college is her top choice. When applying early decision, a student is required to sign a statement agreeing to accept an offer of admission from that college (this is a binding agreement).

Regular Decision

Under this plan, a student submits her credentials to meet deadlines in December-February.  Her application will be evaluated in February-March, and she is notified of the admission decision by April 15th.

Rolling Decision

Under this plan a student submits her credentials at her own convenience up to a certain date (the earlier, the better).  She will receive information about the admission decision approximately four weeks after her completed application is received by the college.