b'31UNDERSTAND CollEGEoption 3: Early ActionADMISSIoNS oPTIoNS Early Action allows you to apply earlier toand Generally, there are four options for collegehear back sooner fromyour first-choice college.admissions. The option you select will impact when Applications are usually due in early to mid-November.your application is due, when you find out if youEarly Action is nonbinding, meaning it does notaPPLYIngtOCOLLegeare accepted, and your ability to choose a schoolcommit you to attend the school. It does tell thebased on how much financial aid it oers. Options school you are very interested.and deadlines vary by schools, so carefully research option 4: Early Decisionthe schools to which you are interested in applying.option 1: Regular Decision Early Decision is an option reserved only for theschool you are certain is your best fitacademically,Regular Decision is the most common admissions socially, and financially. When you apply Early option and allows you to apply to as many schoolsDecision, you promise you will attend the college as you like and compare financial aid packages.if admitted and withdraw all other applications. Applications are typically due between November and Early Decision lets you show your commitment to February. Decisions arrive between March and April. a school by applying by an Early Decision deadline(often November 1 or 15, and sometimes January 1option 2: Rolling Admissions for an additional Early Decision II deadline). MostRolling Admissions applications are evaluated onschools provide decisions four to six weeks later.a first-come, first-served basis, until the school fillsEarly Decision and Financial Aidits first-year class. You will receive an admissionsIf you are accepted Early Decision and the estimateddecision within four to eight weeks of applying. financial aid package oered by the college at the Rolling Admissions allows you to apply to as many time of your acceptance does not make that school schools as you want and to compare financial aid aordable for you, you may forfeit your admission packages. Most universities in the Pennsylvania State and apply to other colleges. Remember, no college System of Higher Education use Rolling Admissions. is your right fit if you cannot aord to go there.CoMPARE ADMISSIoNS oPTIoNSFactors to Consider:RegularRolling Early EarlyDecision Admissions Action DecisionAllows you to compare financial aid packages X X Xyou hear back quickly X X XTells a school it is your first choice XDoes not require you to commit to one school X X XIncreases your chance of acceptance,if you are a strong candidate XIf you wait too long, all spots may be filled X'