Understanding Early Action, Early Decision and Regular Decision for College Admissions

All three options differ in terms of commitment and timeline. Let’s dive in and break down what they mean and how they might impact your application strategy.

What's the difference between early action, early decision and regular decision?

Here are the different application options open to high school seniors who plan to attend college:

• Early action lets you apply early, typically by November, and get an earlier notification of a decision (usually by December or January), but you don’t have to commit until May 1.
• Early decision also lets you apply early and get an earlier notification of a decision, typically by December (deadlines vary for every school). But the decision is binding. So, if accepted, you must attend. Going this route is an indication to the school that it's your top choice. Students select early decision when they are sure they want to attend a particular school.
• Regular decision gives you more time to apply and make a final decision because application deadlines are later, and students typically have until May 1 to decide if accepted.

What are the deadlines?

Deadlines for early action and early decision are often November 1 or November 15, but deadlines can vary by school. For instance, here are the deadlines at Sacred Heart:

• Early Decision I: November 15
• Early Action I: December 1
• Early Decision II: January 15
• Early Action II: February 1

You can learn more about decision notification by checking out SHU’s Freshman Admission webpage.

Regular decision deadlines vary, falling between January 1 and 15, but it’s essential to confirm the specific deadlines for all application options at the schools you are interested in as they can vary significantly. At SHU, any application received after February 1 is considered regular decision.

Typically, U.S. colleges do not have different application deadlines for international undergraduate students, but, as with domestic undergraduate students, it's crucial to check the specific requirements for each university or college to which you are applying. Meanwhile, transfer students typically have different deadlines and should check with the colleges they are considering. At Sacred Heart, the deadlines for transfer students are:

Priority Application Deadlines:

• Fall semester start: May 1
• Spring semester start: December 1

Regular Application Deadlines:

• Fall semester start: August 1
• Spring semester start: January 1

What are some of the key differences?

When looking at all three options more broadly, early action will give you early results as well as flexibility to explore multiple schools and decide by the spring. You’ll also be able to compare financial aid offers. Early decision is a sure sign you’ve settled on a first-choice institution. As such, it’s the least flexible option, as you must attend if accepted and cannot compare financial aid packages from other schools. Though some schools, including Sacred Heart, will allow you to withdraw your commitment if it’s not financially feasible. With regular decision, you can apply to many schools and compare financial aid offers. You also have more time to complete application requirements and include senior grades and activities.

With all options, you’ll want to make sure you’ve completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile and any other financial aid applications that are required.

Is one option better than the other?

No option is inherently “better” than the other, but depending on your circumstances, one might be better for you. Give yourself enough time to determine your unique needs, research deadlines, schedule visits, ask questions and reach out to the people who can help before you apply. For instance, you’ll probably want to know how each option impacts financial aid before you make your decision. You may also discover unique benefits for different application plans, such as SHU’s Study Abroad Grant and priority registration that are advantages for early decision students.

Are there any strategies or tips to know which one is right for you?

Reaching out to an admissions counselor early in the process can help. You may learn questions you didn’t know you should ask about things like financial aid options, student life and application requirements and deadlines. For instance, some colleges might have different deadlines for different academic programs or scholarship consideration.

“There are some families who are new to the college application process, and there are a lot of nuances when it comes to decision options,” said Trevor O’Brien, an undergraduate admissions counselor at Sacred Heart. “So, it’s important to reach out and ask those questions early in the process to alleviate any issues or concerns before an application is submitted.”

O’Brien and fellow SHU undergraduate admissions counselor Emma Byrne also stressed the importance of going to college fairs, scheduling campus tours or attending an open house. “When I was applying for college, I really appreciated the opportunity to talk to admissions staff. And given the investment, I think it’s important to visit and get a feel for the school and the campus,” Byrne said.

Next steps

Is Sacred Heart high on your college wish list? Learn more about what SHU has to offer through its nine schools and colleges and more than 100 undergraduate, master and doctoral degree programs, including a robust performing arts program. With more than 100 involvement opportunities, a vibrant fraternity and sorority life program, an active club sports program and a strong commitment to community engagement, spiritual and personal growth and study abroad opportunities, SHU has something for everyone. Take the next step by reaching out to undergraduate admissions or undergraduate international admissions today!

Join SHU on Tuesday, November 11, for a virtual information session to explore our early decision application option: Early Decision Info Session: Benefits, Questions and Next Steps.

Register Now!

Want to hear more from SHU? Subscribe to our newsletters to get the latest updates delivered right to your inbox.