b'31UNDERSTAND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS OPTIONS There are two kindsEarly Action and Restrictive Generally, there are four options for collegeEarly Action. Early Action is non-binding, meaning itadmissions. The option you select will impact whendoes not commit you to attend the school. Restrictive your application is due, when you find out if youEarly Action is also non-binding, however, if you are accepted, and your ability to choose a schoolapply Restrictive Early Action, you are not permitted based on how much financial aid it offers. Optionsto apply to any other schools during the early roundsAPPLYING TO COLLEGEand deadlines vary by schools, so carefully researchof applications. Both types of admission indicate that the schools to which you are interested in applying.you are very interested in a school; Restrictive Early Action indicates to a school that they are your first Option 1: Regular Decision choice and can increase your chances of being accepted.Regular Decision is the most common admissionsOption 4: Early Decisionoption 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 Early February. Decisions arrive between March and April. Decision, you promise you will attend the college Option 2: Rolling Admissions if admitted and withdraw all other applications. Rolling Admissions applications are evaluated onEarly Decision lets you show your commitment to a first-come, first-served basis, until the school fillsa school by applying by an Early Decision deadline its first-year class. You will receive an admissions(often November 1 or 15, and sometimes January 1 decision within four to eight weeks of applying.for an additional Early Decision II deadline). Most Rolling Admissions allows you to apply to as manyschools provide decisions four to six weeks later.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 Option 3: Early Action time of your acceptance does not make that school Early Action allows you to apply earlier toandaffordable for you, you may forfeit your admission hear back sooner fromyour first-choice college.and apply to other colleges. Remember, no college Applications are usually due in early- to mid-November. is your right fit if you cannot afford to go there.COMPARE ADMISSIONS OPTIONSFactors to Consider:Regular RollingEarlyEarlyDecisionAdmissionsActionDecisionAllows 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'