Boost Your Chances Of Getting In To College: Your Timing Is Critical

If you’re looking to boost your chances to get into colleges you love, then timing is everything.   Understanding the different types of admission will have a dramatic impact on your chances of getting in to the colleges you want most.  There are seven different types of admissions policies that colleges use and each has implications for your chances of getting in.

Regular Decision

It’s Non-binding
You have until May 1 to decide to accept offer
There’s typically a “drop-dead” deadline, typically between December thru February

Rolling Decision

Non-binding
College accepts applications on rolling basis until a particular program or the freshman class is full
Submit applications typically from August or September onward
Depending on when your application is submitted you can receive an acceptance in as little as 4 weeks’ time
Still have until May 1 to accept the offer

Early Action

Non binding
Deadline typically November 1 or November 15
You will receive a decision by December
You will have until May 1 to accept the offer
Decision is based on your record through Junior year only

Restrictive Early Action

Same as Early Action above BUT:
College doesn’t allow you to apply early action if you are applying early decision elsewhere
Decision is based on your record through Junior year only

Single-Choice Early Action

Non-binding
Deadline is November 1 or November 15
College doesn’t allow you to use this option if you are applying early action or early decision to other colleges.
Decision will be based on your record through Junior year only

Early Decision

Binding – meaning you tell the college “you accept me, I’m coming to your college”
Deadline is November 1 or November 15
You’ll receive a decision by December
Eliminates Any Leverage You Have With The College BUT
Can substantially increase your chance to get IN to highly competitive colleges – as much as 50%
Decision will be made on your record through Junior year

Early Decision II

Same as Early Decision, but deadline is typically January 1 or January 15
Used by Ivy-type colleges that want to provide an opportunity to students after the first round of Early Decision acceptances (and rejections) are complete.
Decision will be made on your record through junior year

Understanding the different admissions options and implementing them as part of your college plan can significantly increase your college acceptances.  BUT, if you don’t devote the time needed to craft a great application, you still won’t get in.  First you need to know which options are best for your particular circumstance; second, you need to be ready to submit your applications by the given deadlines!

Your Smart Plan For College Assignment
1. Understand the different admissions options available and decide which ones will work for you to boost your chances to get in to the colleges you want most.
2. Get started now so your applications will be ready to submit by the deadlines.

You only have one chance to make grab their attention and make an impression. At the end of the day, your application is going to close the deal.  You can’t afford to miss this critical opportunity.  In other words, even the most flawless plan can’t produce results if you don’t invest the time and effort in the one vehicle that will bring it all together – the application.