Understanding College Application Types
Navigating college applications can feel overwhelming with all the different deadlines and requirements. Understanding the four main types of applications can help families make strategic decisions and reduce stress during senior year.
Rolling Admissions: The Easiest Route
Rolling admissions schools accept applications throughout the year and typically respond within two weeks of receiving complete materials. These include many state schools in the interior of the country like:
Boise State University
Colorado State schools
University of New Mexico
Advantages:
Quick decisions (within 2 weeks)
Usually no essays required
Great value for cost
Less stressful timeline
Reality check: These excellent schools rarely appear on students' lists despite being some of the easiest to apply to and most affordable options.
Early Action: The "Hurry Up and Wait" Option
Early Action applications are typically due November 1st and are common among private colleges. If admitted, you'll receive your acceptance 2-3 months earlier than regular decision students.
Key points:
Non-binding – you're not required to attend
May receive higher merit awards due to demonstrated interest
Financial aid awards still come at regular timeline
Creates "bragging rights" but limited practical benefit
Caution: Many parents over-emphasize early action. Having 9-10 early action applications due creates enormous stress between September 15th and November 1st. Consider limiting to 1-2 early action applications.
Early Decision: The Binding Commitment
Early Decision is legally binding – if accepted, you must attend that school. Clearing houses exist to monitor compliance.
Important considerations:
Eliminates your ability to compare financial aid offers
Programs like Posse (tuition-only coverage) may still leave families with $15,000-$20,000 in room and board costs
Best suited for wealthy families who can afford full costs at any school
Recommendation: Most students should avoid early decision unless cost is not a factor.
Restrictive Early Action: The Complicated Hybrid
This combines elements of early action and early decision. While technically non-binding, it restricts where else you can apply early.
The catch: Each school has different restrictions. Some prohibit applying to any other private schools early, while others may allow applications to lower-cost public universities.
Bottom line: Keep your options open. Restrictive early action primarily benefits wealthy families with unlimited college budgets.
Strategic Advice for Parents
Spread out applications over time rather than front-loading everything in fall
Focus on rolling admissions schools for stress-free early acceptances
Limit early action applications to reduce senior year stress
Avoid binding commitments unless cost is irrelevant
Read all program agreements carefully – especially for programs like Posse
The goal is maintaining flexibility while managing stress. Your student needs to have a life during senior year, not just survive an application marathon.
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