October 15: Application Deadline

Today marks the first application deadline for Early Action and Early Decision for some U.S. Colleges and Universities. Check your college list to see if one or more of your applications is due on this day.

EARLY ACTION VS. EARLY DECISION

Early Action – An admission plan offered by some highly selective colleges which allows the most qualified students the comfort of a letter of acceptances in December. The student does not have to withdraw other applications and does not have to accept or refuse the EA offer of admission until May 1.

Early Decision – A binding admission plan that requires an early application (typically October or November) and promises a reply by December or January. There are two types of ED plans: (1) Single Choice, in which the student is allowed to apply to only one college and (2) First Choice, in which the student may apply elsewhere but agrees to withdraw other applications if accepted by the ED school.

This plan is recommended only if the applicant is absolutely sure of his or her college choice. If accepted, the student is ethically obligated to attend if sufficient financial aid is offered.