By Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz

Table of Contents

Definition Of Early Applications

Early Action
Restricted Early Action (Early Action Single Choice)
Early Decision
Rolling Admissions

The Bottom Line

Timelines For Early Applications

Freshman and Sophomore Years
Junior Year
Senior Year

Why Colleges Offer Early Admissions

Some Useful Information About Early Programs

1. 500 Or More Colleges And Universities Offer Early Application
2. Not Everyone Who Applies To College Should Apply Early
3. “Hooked” Students

FAQ #1: Does applying early really increase your chances for admission to a college?

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Early Applications

Whether To Apply Early

FAQ #2: If I want to apply Early Decision to a school, does its binding agreement bar me from applying to the University of California campuses?

FAQ #3: How many early admissions programs can I apply to?

The Outcome Of Early Applications

Acceptance, Denial, Deferred
What To Do If You Get Deferred

Endnote

Recommended Resources

Websites
Books