b'31Understand College in. Applications are usually due in early- to mid- Admissions Options November. There are two kindsearly action and restrictive early action. Early action is non-binding, Generally, there are four options for collegemeaning it does not commit you to attend the school. admissions. The option you select will impact whenRestrictive early action is also non-binding, however, Applying to Collegeyour application is due, when you find out if youif you apply restrictive early action, you are not permitted are accepted, and your ability to choose a schoolto apply to any other schools during the early rounds based on how much financial aid it offers. Options of applications. Both types of admission indicate thatand deadlines vary by schools, so carefully researchyou are very interested in a school; restrictive earlythe schools to which you are interested in applying.action indicates to a school that they are your first choice Option 1: Regular Decisionand can increase your chances of being accepted.Regular decision is the most common admissions Option 4: Early Decision option and allows you to apply to as many schoolsEarly decision is an option reserved only for the as you like and compare financial aid packages.school you are certain is your best fitacademically, Applications are typically due between November andsocially, and financially. When you apply via early February. Decisions arrive between March and April. decision, you promise you will attend the college Option 2: Rolling Admissionsif admitted and withdraw all other applications. Early decision lets you show your commitment to Rolling admissions applications are evaluated ona school by applying by an early decision deadline a first-come, first-served basis, until the school fills(often November 1 or 15, and sometimes January 1its first-year class. You will receive an admissionsfor an additional early decision II deadline). Most decision within four to eight weeks of applying. schools provide decisions four to six weeks later.Rolling admissions allows you to apply to as many schools as you want and to compare financial aidEarly Decision and Financial Aidpackages. Most universities in the Pennsylvania StateIf you are accepted early decision and the estimated System of Higher Education use rolling admissions. financial aid package offered by the college at the time of your acceptance does not make that school Option 3: Early Actionaffordable for you, you may forfeit your admission Early action allows you to apply earlier toand hearand apply to other colleges. Remember, no college back sooner from the colleges you are most interestedis your right fit if you cannot afford to go there.Compare Admissions OptionsFactors to ConsiderRegularRollingEarlyEarlyDecisionAdmissionsActionDecisionAllows you to compare financial aid packagesXXX You hear back quicklyXXXTells a school it is your first choiceXDoes not require you to commit to one schoolXXXIncreases your chance of acceptance,if you are a strong candidateXIf you wait too long, all spots may be filledX'