Senior Parents: Understanding College Application Deadlines!

As college application season gets underway, it's important to understand the different admission options and what they mean for your senior. Not all application deadlines come with the same expectations!

Early Action (EA): Students apply earlier (often in October or November) and typically receive an admission decision sooner. Early Action is NOT binding, meaning students can apply to multiple colleges, compare financial aid offers, and make their final decision later.

Early Decision (ED): Students apply early to their top-choice college and agree to attend if accepted, provided the financial aid package is affordable. Early Decision IS binding! Students should only choose this option if they are confident the college is their first choice. This can limit their ability to compare financial aid offers from other schools.

Regular Decision (RD): Students apply by the college's regular deadline (often January or February) and receive a decision later in the spring. Regular Decision is NOT binding, giving students time to explore options and compare offers before committing.

A Few Important Reminders:

Encourage your senior to pay close attention to deadlines, understand what they're agreeing to, and keep their options open when possible. The goal isn't just to get accepted into college—it's to find the right academic and financial fit!