January 1 - 15: Application Deadline

These two weeks mark an application deadline for Early Decision II and Regular 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 DECISION II VS. REGULAR DECISION

Early Decision II - 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.

Regular Decision - This pertains to applications that are not submitted under any of the other specialized categories, such as Early Action, Restricted Early Action and Early Decision. There are no binding terms to a Regular Decision application.