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

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    Here are some factors to consider before submitting your application

    Key Highlights

    • Early action lets students apply and receive an admission decision sooner, without requiring them to commit until May 1
    • Early decision is binding: students who are accepted commit to attending that college. SHU’s Welcome Home program offers early decision students a four-year experience beginning with a $1,000 grant
    • Regular decision gives students more time to apply. SHU treats applications received after February 1 as regular decision and notifies applicants on a rolling basis
    • SHU’s deadlines are November 15 for Early Decision I, December 1 for Early Action I, January 15 for Early Decision II, and February 1 for Early Action II

    You knew it was coming, and now we are in the thick of it—college application season. As you juggle all the demands of senior year, from schoolwork to extracurricular activities and afterschool jobs, you are also tackling the steps required to apply for college—including deciding when to apply.

    When you hear terms like early action, early decision, and regular decision, it might sound like a whole new language. And it kind of is, particularly for any student or family new to the college application process.

    Before choosing an application plan, visit SHU and experience campus firsthand. If you apply through Early Decision I or Early Action I after your visit, you'll qualify for an application fee waiver.

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    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?

    All three are application options open to high school seniors who plan to attend college. Remember, deadlines vary for every school.

    • Early action lets you apply early, typically by November, and get an earlier decision notification (usually by December or January), but you have until May 1 to commit.
    • Early decision also lets you apply early and get an earlier notification of a decision, typically by December. 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. SHU's Welcome Home program for early decision students is designed to honor those students who choose SHU from the start. It is a special four-year experience that begins with a $1,000 grant, and continues with unique academic and experiential advantages that last throughout your academic journey.
    • 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 may vary by school. 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

    SHU commits to providing you with decision notifications by certain dates for each application plan. Check out SHU’s Freshman Admission webpage for details.

    And remember, visit SHU and experience campus firsthand. If you apply through Early Decision I or Early Action I after your visit, you'll qualify for an application fee waiver.

    Regular decision deadlines vary, while SHU accepts any applications received after February 1 as regular decision. Decision notification is issued on a rolling basis.

    Typically, U.S. colleges do not have different application deadlines for international undergraduate students, but, as always, it is important to check the specific requirements for each university or college to which you are applying. Meanwhile, transfer students typically have different application deadlines. At Sacred Heart, the deadlines for transfer students are:

    Fall Semester Application Deadlines:

    • Priority: May 1
    • Final: August 1

    Spring Semester Application Deadlines:

    • Priority: December 1
    • Final: 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 review financial aid offers from all schools. Early decision is a sure sign you’ve settled on a first-choice institution. As such, it’s the least flexible option, since your commitment is binding 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 priorities, 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 Welcome Home 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. 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, senior director of admissions. “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.”

    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 150 involvement opportunities, a vibrant fraternity & 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 your admissions counselor.