| ED (Early Decision) |
Apply early (usually Nov. 1) and receive a decision in December. Binding—if accepted, you must attend (unless financial aid makes it impossible). |
| ED II (Early Decision II) |
Same as ED, but with a later deadline (usually Jan. 1). Also binding. Great if you decide on a first-choice school later in the process. |
| EA (Early Action) |
Apply early and hear back early, but not binding. You can apply to multiple EA schools (unless restricted by the college). |
| REA (Restrictive Early Action) |
Non-binding, but limits where else you can apply early. Policies vary by school. |
| SCEA (Single-Choice Early Action) |
Another name for Restrictive Early Action. You may only apply early to one private college, though many public universities are still allowed. |
| RD (Regular Decision) |
The traditional application process. Deadlines are usually January, with decisions in March or April. |
| Rolling Admission |
Schools review applications as they arrive and release decisions continuously until spots are filled. Applying early is usually an advantage. |
| Deferral |
You weren't admitted or denied during the early round. Your application will be reconsidered with the Regular Decision pool. |
| Waitlist |
The college likes your application but doesn't currently have space. You may be offered admission later if spots open. |
| Test Optional |
ACT/SAT scores are not required. You decide whether submitting your scores will strengthen your application. |
| Test Blind |
The college will not consider ACT/SAT scores, even if you submit them. |
| Holistic Review |
Colleges evaluate much more than grades and scores, including essays, activities, recommendations, rigor, and personal qualities. |
| Demonstrated Interest |
Some colleges track whether you've shown interest by visiting campus, attending information sessions, opening emails, or interviewing. |
| Supplemental Essay |
Additional essays required by many colleges beyond the Common App personal essay. |
| Common App |
One application used by over 1,000 colleges and universities. Students complete one main application and then add school-specific supplements. |
| Coalition App / Scoir |
An alternative college application platform, now rebranded as Scoir, accepted by a smaller group of colleges. |
| FAFSA |
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Required by most colleges to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and often institutional aid. |
| CSS Profile |
A financial aid application used by many private colleges to award institutional grants and scholarships. |
| Yield |
The percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll. Colleges use this to help shape admissions decisions. |
