College Application Process
The college application process is very time consuming but if it is done in an organized, step-by-step manner it can be a very rewarding experience. The most important thing to remember is that the entire process cannot be done in a short period of time or at a single “sitting”. You must complete it in several very specific steps that require varying amounts of time to accomplish. One of the most crucial details of the application process is to learn and observe the due dates of the colleges to which you are applying. In addition, O’Dea requires that the senior student complete all of the required procedures for his college applications, by December 1. Colleges determine their application deadlines according to the number of applications they receive and the type of admissions procedures they utilize. The standard admission processes are Rolling, Regular, Early Action, Single Choice Early Action and Early Decision.
Rolling Admission Process
If a college uses a Rolling Admission Process, the admission office begins accepting applications after a specific date, which is usually in October or November. They begin reviewing these applications immediately and make admission decisions at that time. This continues until their final application deadline or until their freshman class is filled. In this process, there is a continual flow of applications and admission decisions made over the course of several months. In this process, it is important to submit applications as early as possible. Admission to the freshman class is on a first come-first served basis. Washington State University uses the Rolling Admission process.
Regular Admission Process
The Regular Admission Process differs from the Rolling process in that admission committees do not review any applications until the final deadline has passed. After the final deadline, all the applications are reviewed and the acceptance or denial letters are all sent at one time. The deadline for applications in this process is usually late December to February 1st, with applicants being notified in early April. The University of Notre Dame is an example of a college that uses the Regular Admission process.
Early Action/Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision
The Early Action/Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision processes are usually practiced only at highly selective private colleges and universities. All of these colleges also have a regular admission process. The deadline for a student’s completed application is usually early November. The advantage of this option is that an applicant can affirm his strong desire to matriculate at a particular college by applying early. Admissions committees understand that applicants who apply early have decided that their college is the applicant’s first choice school. Applicants should be confident that their application is strong in all aspects, especially test scores and grades. If you have any question about the strength of your application, you should see Mrs. Eulberg and discuss the possibility of this option. Decision letters in this process are mailed in late December or early January. A student who applies using any of the Early plans, must also apply to other colleges in case he is not accepted or is deferred to the regular admission pool. Most colleges do not have Early Action, Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision or Early Decision. There are distinct differences between Early Action, Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision and Early Decision. You must notify Mrs. Eulberg if you are applying Early Action/Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision as soon as you have made that decision.
Early Action
Early Action (EA) is non-binding, which means if an applicant is accepted, he has until May 1st to decide if he will enroll in that college. A student can apply to more than one college as an Early Action candidate. He is able to also apply to any number of colleges using either rolling or regular admission processes. The University of Notre Dame has an Early Action program.
Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision
Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision is exactly the same as Early Action except a student may apply to only that one college/university as a Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision candidate. He may submit as many other applications as wants using Rolling Admissions or Regular Admissions but he can only apply to that one college early if it utilizes Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision. Stanford University has a Restrictive Early Action/Early Decision program.
Early Decision
Early Decision (ED) is a binding contract with one college. This means that if a student applies to a college using the Early Decision procedure and the college accepts the student, he must immediately accept the offer of admission. He is required to withdraw all other college applications. Because this is a binding contract, you may only apply to one college as an Early Decision applicant. We recommend that only the very strongest candidates, both academically and financially, apply to a school under the Early Decision process. The University of Puget Sound is an example of a college that uses the early decision process.
Deferred Process
Colleges can defer your application from their Early Action or Early Decision pool to the Regular decision group. This means that your application will be considered with all of the other applications the college receives by its due date. You will receive notification from the college in late December or early January that they have decided to defer you to the regular pool. After evaluation in the regular pool, you will receive the college’s decision in late March or early April along with the other candidates in the Regular pool.