When it comes to applying to college, there is a lot of vocabulary that high school students and their parents need to know. You’ll hear terms like Early Decision, Early Action, waitlist, and more. But what do they all mean? This guide is meant to help you understand the main types of college admissions used by schools across the U.S., so your family can plan ahead and create a strategy that works best for you.
Types of College Admissions
The college admissions process isn’t one-size-fits-all. Schools offer several different types of application options, each with its own rules, deadlines, and benefits. It’s crucial to understanding the differences in order to build the right strategy for your goals, whether you’re looking for early admissions, maximum flexibility, or a guaranteed acceptance.
What is Early Decision (ED)?
What it is:
Early Decision is a binding application process. If you apply ED and are accepted, you are required to attend that school and withdraw all other applications.
When it comes up:
Sometime in your junior year, you’ll start exploring college application deadlines. If your top school’s deadlines are in the early fall, you’ll likely encounter the term “Early Decision.”
Key points:
- Typically due in early November of senior year.
- Only one ED application is allowed.
- Schools often accept a higher percentage of ED applicants than Regular Decision applicants.
- Applying to multiple schools ED can have serious consequences—schools sometimes share applicant information, especially within the same system.
Benefits:
- Higher acceptance rates – demonstrates commitment that highly selective schools value.
- Early certainty – knowing your college acceptance by fall of senior year helps with planning finances, housing, and academics.
- Networking opportunities – early knowledge of your admission allows you to join incoming student groups and make connections before school starts.
Drawbacks:
- Binding—you cannot compare financial aid or scholarship offers.
- Less flexibility if circumstances change.
What is Early Decision II (ED II)?
What it is:
ED II is similar to ED but has a later deadline, usually in January. Acceptance is binding.
Key points:
- Provides a second chance to apply under a binding early timeline.
- Same rules as ED regarding commitment and application limits.
Benefits:
- Allows more time to prepare applications if you weren’t ready for ED I.
- Can improve your chances over Regular Decision applicants.
Drawbacks:
- Same as ED—you are obligated to enroll if admitted.
What is Early Action (EA)?
What it is:
Early Action is non-binding. You apply early (often November) and get a decision in December or January, but you can still choose among other schools.
Key points:
- You can apply EA to multiple schools unless restricted.
- Allows flexibility to compare financial aid, scholarships, and programs.
Benefits:
- Shows strong interest without locking you in.
- Provides early feedback and more time to make a final decision.
Drawbacks:
- Requires early preparation of applications in junior year.
What is Restrictive Early Action (REA) / Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA)?
What it is:
REA is non-binding but restrictive, mostly at highly selective private schools. You cannot apply ED or EA to most other private schools while applying under REA.
Key points:
- Non-binding—you’re not obligated to enroll.
- Restrictions usually apply only to private schools’ early rounds (ED, EA, REA).
Benefits:
- Demonstrates strong interest, which can influence admissions positively.
- Higher admit rates in some cases—Princeton, for example, has a regular acceptance rate of 4.2% versus 15.5% for REA.
- Shows seriousness to colleges that track demonstrated interest.
Drawbacks:
- Limits your ability to apply early elsewhere, which can affect your overall strategy.
What is Regular Decision?
What it is:
Regular Decision is the standard application timeline, usually with a January deadline and decisions released in March or April.
Key points:
- Non-binding; you can apply to multiple schools.
- More time to improve grades, retake tests, or refine essays.
Benefits:
- Maximum flexibility to compare offers and financial aid.
- Allows students to apply when most prepared.
Drawbacks:
- Larger applicant pool may reduce chances of acceptance.
- Longer wait to hear back.
What is Rolling Admission?
What it is:
Rolling Admission allows colleges to review applications as they arrive and make decisions throughout the application period.
Key points:
- Applications are accepted until the class is full.
- Early submission increases chances.
Benefits:
- Quick response times.
- Reduces stress with earlier decisions.
Drawbacks:
- Waiting too long can mean spots are filled before you apply.
What is Deferred Admission?
What it is:
Deferred Admission allows students to accept an offer but delay enrollment for a year or more, often for travel, work, or personal projects.
Benefits:
- Provides time for unique experiences or personal growth.
- Guarantees a spot in a future class.
Drawbacks:
- Requires careful planning for finances and course registration.
What is Waitlist Admission?
What it is:
A student is offered a potential spot if openings arise after the initial rounds.
Benefits:
- Offers a backup option if admitted students decline.
Drawbacks:
- Uncertain—admission is not guaranteed.
- Late notice can complicate planning.
What is Open Admission?
What it is:
Common at community colleges, this guarantees acceptance for students meeting minimal requirements (like a high school diploma or GED).
Benefits:
- Low-pressure option.
- Can be a pathway to transferring to four-year institutions.
Drawbacks:
- Classes can fill quickly.
- Limited selectivity may mean variable academic support.
What is Transfer Admission?
What it is:
For students transferring from one college to another. Requirements vary by school.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to attend a new college after starting elsewhere.
- Good performance at first college can strengthen applications.
Drawbacks:
- Credits may not transfer.
- Some schools have competitive transfer admissions.
Types of Admissions: Comparison at a Glance
| Admission Type | Binding? | Typical Deadline | Flexibility | Key Benefit |
| ED | Yes | November | Low | Early acceptance & higher admit odds |
| ED II | Yes | January | Low | Second chance for early acceptance |
| EA | No | November | High | Early decision without commitment |
| REA | No, but restrictive | November | Medium | Shows interest, higher admit rates |
| Regular Decision | No | January | High | More time to apply, compare options |
| Rolling Admission | No | Varies | Medium | Quick response, rolling offers |
| Deferred | N/A | N/A | Medium | Delays start date for personal reasons |
| Waitlist | No | N/A | Low | Potential spot if openings occur |
| Open Admission | No | Varies | High | Guaranteed entry for eligible students |
| Transfer | No | Varies | Medium | Allows college change after starting elsewhere |
Final Thoughts
College admissions can feel overwhelming with all the terminology and timelines. Understanding the types—ED, ED II, EA, REA, Regular, Rolling, Deferred, Waitlist, Open, and Transfer—helps you craft a plan that fits your goals. Some students prioritize commitment and early certainty, while others value flexibility and comparison shopping.
Knowing the rules, benefits, and drawbacks of each option allows you to apply strategically and maximize your chances of attending the school that’s the best fit.
Ready to build an application strategy that fits your goals? Get expert guidance from one of Forbes’ Best College Admissions Consultants of 2025. Schedule your free consultation with HelloCollege today.
