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Understanding Admissions

The following is a list of terms often used throughout the college admission process. It is important for you to be familiar with these as we discuss your options, strategies, and plans.

 

    • application is submitted upon its completion, with no hard deadline
    • decisions are returned as soon as they are available, and are not released on one specific date
    • many state universities use this plan
    • it is advantageous to apply early in the fall of your senior year

    • application to your FIRST CHOICE college early in senior year
    • if accepted, you are contractually obligated to attend
    • decisions are usually rendered in December
    • dates and plans vary among schools
    • you may be accepted, denied, or deferred (automatically have your application held for reconsideration in the regular applicant pool, which no longer requires you to attend if accepted)

    • exactly the same as Early Decision (above) except with a later deadline, usually in January
    • Some colleges with EDII

    • application deadlines are typically in the fall of senior year
    • even though decision is rendered early, you are not required to attend
    • dates and plans vary among schools

    • early action (see above) plan in which the college restricts other early applications, typically disallowing both early decision and early action applications to private colleges or universities.

    • early action (see above) plan in which the college restricts other early applications, typically disallowing an early decision application but may allow other early action applications. Always double check with the college for its specific policy.

    • latest possible deadline by which an application can be submitted
    • decisions are typically rendered in Spring of senior year 

    • the opportunity to delay or defer enrollment for a year or a semester
    • you may work, travel, or pursue special interests/programs
    • generally you may not attend another college during the deferral period as a full time student

    • an option offered by some colleges to matriculate in the second semester

    • a college may offer you transfer admission as a sophomore after satisfactorily completing your freshman year at another institution

    • requires students who do not initially meet a college’s admission criteria to attend a summer session in order to prove their ability to succeed before matriculating in the fall
    • students usually must maintain a specified grade point average