In this article, I will talk about different deadlines of USA college applications.

The universities and colleges in the USA accept applications for admission in different rounds. These rounds are called decisions. They are called so because you are making a specific decision by applying through a specific round.

Let’s discover different rounds, what it means and what their deadlines are.

1. Early Decision (ED)
   Early Decision (ED) is one of the early rounds of application. The name itself suggests that you have to decide to apply early in this round.
   
   Additionally, there is another decision that you have to make while applying in this round. You have to be sure that you will be attending the university or college you are applying to if they offer you admission. This is your commitment that you can show to your top choice college. So, you can apply to only one institution through this decision.
   
   The acceptance rate is considered slightly higher in ED than RD. Many universities want to see your demonstrated interest and this round helps you show it to them. The application deadline ranges from November 1 to December 20. You have to check the website of the specific university to know the exact date.
   
   You will usually get your admission notification after a month.
   
   

2. Early Action (EA)
   You may want to apply early to many colleges without the attendance commitment. You can do so through an early action round of applications.
   
   If you are applying EA, you will hear back from the universities about the admission earlier. You can submit EA applications to as many colleges as you want.
   
   Be careful: If you are submitting a Restrictive Early Action (REA) application, you may have to commit that you will be attending the university if accepted. So, read the terms on the website of the university.
   
   The deadlines are the same as ED which ranges from November 1 to December 20. You will get your admission decision starting from December to March.
   
   

3. Regular Decision (RD)
   This is a general round of application and you can submit applications to as many colleges as you want through RD. You are not restricted to attend the university if you are accepted. You can make a choice among your options.
   
   The deadline for Regular Decision (RD) ranges from January 1 to February 15.
   
   

4. Rolling Admission
   Many colleges accept rolling admission applications as well. After you complete submitting your RD applications, you can submit a few more applications under the Rolling Admission round.
   
   You will be able to submit RA applications until May starting from November 1.

Okay, here we learned about the different rounds of application to the USA education. Next, we will zoom out and look at the overall timeline of this application process. Are you ready?