Applying + Submitting
Terminology Overview:
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Different Ways of Applying:
Early Action (EA): This means that you apply to a school earlier than its typical deadline. You will also hear back from this school with a decision sooner. This decision is non-binding, so if you are accepted you DO NOT have to attend. You can apply EA to several schools.
Restrictive Early Action (REA): This is similar to EA since it is non-binding; however, since it is “restrictive” early action, applying this way means you can not apply to any other university’s early application program. You can only apply REA to one school.
Early Decision (ED): This is similar to EA but an acceptance IS BINDING. You must attend if you are accepted. You can only apply ED to one school.
Early Decision Two (ED II): This is similar to ED since it is also a binding acceptance. The main difference is that ED II applications are due later than ED applications. Since an acceptance would be binding, you can only apply ED II to one school. You also can not apply to one school ED and apply ED II at another.
Regular Decision (RD): Applying RD means you apply as a regular applicant. You apply at the typical deadlines and will receive your decision later than early applicants.
Rolling Admission: Instead of reading all applications and then making decisions, rolling admission means that schools will accept qualified applicants as soon as they read their applications.
November 1st - November 15th
EA/ED
Typical Deadlines:
January 1st
ED II
January 1st - February 1st
RD
The Common Application
Tip: Submit your applications at least 3-5 days before the deadline because the Common App tends to crash in the days leading up to the deadlines!
Tip: Fill out the “Profile” section of the Common App early because it takes a long time filling out all that information!
Tip: There is a character limit on the activities section, so you need to make every word count. Plan your activities descriptions ahead of time to make sure you are not over the character limit. You do not need to use full sentences when describing your activities - this will help you save characters.
The Activities List:
The Common App lets you list 10 activities and extracurriculars
Using a spreadsheet modeled after the Common App activities section to write and edit your activities descriptions is really helpful. You can plan everything out and keep track of characters. Then all you have to do is copy and paste the info into the common app when you’re ready. This image is a sample of my spreadsheet!
Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid is usually the area of college applications that students know the least about. Applying is different for everyone, so this is an area where your best option is to talk to your school counselor. Hopefully this breakdown of some of the terminology surrounding financial aid helps you gain a better understanding of the process!
Need-Blind: A school that is need-blind means that your ability to pay for tuition has no bearing on the decision they make regarding your application.
Need-Aware: A school that is need-aware means they may take into consideration your financial status when making an admissions decision.
*A school that is need-blind and matches demonstrated need is ideal.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The FAFSA calculates an estimated family payment so that colleges can see how to supplement your tuition to make it more affordable.
College Scholarship Service (CSS Profile): Many colleges require the CSS Profile, which is administered by the College Board, in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile asks more specific questions than the FAFSA. Like the FAFSA, this form is used to determine the amount of money you may be able to contribute to your college’s costs.
Merit-Based Aid: This offers financial support based on a student’s achievements.
Need-Based Aid: This offers financial support based on their level of financial need.
*Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile are need-based
I’ve applied to college! Now what?
Now that you’ve filled out the Common App, written all your essays, and applied for financial aid, what are your next steps after submitting your applications? You’ll soon be getting emails from the schools you applied to. These emails will have instructions on how to create an account on the applicant portal for each school. Your portal will have a checklist so you can see if any part of your application is missing. It will also have sections where you can submit additional materials. After applying, you may also have the option to interview at some schools.
Remember to frequently check your applicant portals for updates, changes, and new information. Great job on making it through your college applications! You’ve completed a big milestone!