While applying to a competitive college can feel like a never-ending stressful process, gaining an understanding of the different types of admissions can help guide you through the application process with few hassles. More importantly, this deep knowledge can assist in finalizing a college planning timeline.

Regardless of the school you choose, verified academic web sources such as CampusExplorer recommend that students submit their applications by Thanksgiving of their senior year. The experts at TestPrepScore compiled a list of different college admission types to help you determine the most appropriate path.

What are the Main Types of College Admissions?

It is important to consider all the possible options when it comes to applying for your dream school. Generally, different colleges offer various types of college admissions options for their students, such as:

• Regular Admissions
• Rolling Admissions
• Early Action
• Early Decision
• Deferred Admission

Please note that not all schools may offer all these options. In fact, some colleges and universities may have different application deadlines. To ensure success, keep track of each school’s deadlines for certain applications and financial aid opportunities so you do not miss out on any important details.

Regular Admissions

This is the most common type of admission for four-year colleges and universities. All students must submit their applications by a specific deadline, which usually occurs between November and January. The admissions board then reviews all of the applications and sends out acceptance and rejection letters on the same scheduled date.

Rolling Admissions

A common option with large universities such as Arizona State, Michigan, and Penn State University, schools that offer this option accept applications at any time during their admissions period (typically September through July). There is no standard date that the school usually sends out all acceptance letters and rejection notices, so students usually receive a letter of acceptance if they meet the school’s requirements.

Early Action

This option is preferred for applying to one or two of your top dream schools. Be cautious when applying with this option because while enjoying your senior year without the typical acceptance stress may seem tempting, it is important to not lock yourself onto a school and eventually want to change your mind. This is a good method to let schools know that they are your number one priority as a school, which may improve your chances of acceptance.

Early Decision

Early decision is a risky decision because you have to make sure that this is the school you want to attend, otherwise, you cannot apply to another school if you are accepted. If you receive an acceptance letter from the school, you have to withdraw your application from any other school. Since an Early Decision is binding, you must be 100% sure about your choice and be realistic about your application.

Deferred Admissions

A student picking this option means they already ready received an acceptance letter to the college of their choice. However, students may choose to defer their enrollment for a year. Students can use this option to their advantage and use this time to engage in real-world experience through internships, learn more through other academic programs, or even studying abroad.

Additional Options for College Admissions

All in all, student applicants have several possible routes for applying to college. Early action, for instance, allows for more flexibility when it comes to making a decision. It is still a good option to apply with for your top schools, however, since you are not bound to attend if you get accepted, you can wait to make your final decision during the spring after considering all your other options.

Early evaluation allows students to apply early to find whether they have a good or bad chance of being accepted. With this, students need to submit their applications by November to receive their results by December or January.

Embarking on the college search does not have to be a stressful experience. At TestPrepScore, we offer a multitude of options that help students make more informed decisions regarding their college applications. For additional information on financial aid, degree options, and studying abroad, please subscribe to our blog.