Tristan Hicks
Understanding College Application Plans
The college application process isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the schools you’re considering and how ready you are to apply, you may have the option to apply through Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. Each path comes with different considerations, so it’s important to understand your options before choosing an application plan.
What Goes Into a College Application?
Before deciding when to apply, it can help to understand what colleges consider as part of your application. While requirements vary by university, most college applications include several key components that admissions teams use to evaluate your academic preparation, interests, and experiences. Many colleges accept the Common Application, which allows students to apply to multiple participating colleges and universities using one application. However, each college may have its own requirements, such as supplemental essays or additional materials.
- Academic record: Your high school transcript, including the courses you have taken, the grades you have earned, and the rigor of your coursework, is one of the most important parts of your application.
- Test scores: Some colleges require SAT or ACT scores, while others have test-optional or test-blind policies. Check the testing policy for each college you are considering before deciding whether and when to take a standardized test.
- College essays: Many colleges ask students to write a personal statement or supplemental essays. These responses give you an opportunity to share more about your experiences, interests, goals and perspective beyond your grades and test scores.
- Extracurricular activities: Colleges may consider how you spend your time outside the classroom, including clubs, sports, jobs, volunteer work, family responsibilities and other activities.
- Letters of recommendation: Some colleges require or recommend letters from teachers, counselors or other people who know you well.
- Additional materials: Depending on the college or program, you may need to submit additional materials such as a portfolio or audition.
Because application requirements vary, always review the admissions website for each college you are considering. Understanding what goes into an application can also help you decide whether you are ready to apply early or whether you would benefit from the additional time provided by Regular Decision.
Quick Comparison of Application Plans
Early Decision
- Apply Early
- Binding Agreement
- Receive Decision Early
- Demonstrate Strong Interest
- Enroll if Accepted
Early Action
- Apply Early
- Non-Binding Agreement
- Receive Decision Early
- Apply to Other Colleges Early
- Compare Options Before Deciding
Regular Decision
- Standard Deadline
- Non-Binding Agreement
- Receive Decision in Spring
- Extra Semester Grades, Extracurriculars, etc.
- Apply to Multiple Colleges
Detailed Overview of Early Decision
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding agreement with the university that you are applying to, meaning that you are committed to attending that school if you are accepted. This means that you are only able to apply early decisions to one school.
If you are accepted to a school through Early Decision, you are typically expected to withdraw any applications you may have submitted to other schools.
What is EDI vs EDII?
Some schools have begun to introduce two rounds of early decisions. Early Decision I is typically due in November and is the original binding decision plan offered by universities. Early Decision II is typically due in early January and provides students who were not ready to commit in the Fall another opportunity to apply Early Decision.
Who is Early Decision best for?
Early Decision is best for students who:
- Are sure that the university is their #1 choice
- Financial Aid is not a major consideration
- Have strong grades and test scores in line with the school’s typical class profile
- Want to receive their decision early
Detailed Overview of Early Action
What is Early Action?
The timeline for Early Action is like Early Decision, but Early Action is a non-binding option for applying to college. Applying Early Action allows students to receive their admission decision earlier and have the flexibility to apply to other schools and weigh their options.
Who is the best for?
Early Action is best for students who:
- The university is one of their top choices, but they want more time to decide
- Financial aid is an important factor
- Have strong grades and test scores in line with the school’s typical class profile
- Want to receive their decision early
- Regular Decision
Detailed Overview of Regular Decision
What is Regular Decision?
Regular Decision is the standard application process for most schools, with a typical deadline in early-to-mid-January. This gives students the benefit of more time. Students may use this extra time to take standardized tests, bring up GPAs with Senior-year grades, or refine their college essays.
Who is this best for?
Regular Decision is best for students who:
- Are interested in a school, but aren’t sure it is your top choice
- Financial aid is an important factor
- Want more additional time to prepare and strengthen their application
Other College Decision Plans
The application plans offered to prospective students vary by university. In addition to Early Action, Early Decision and Regular Decision, some colleges offer less common decision plans with different requirements and timelines. Understanding these options can help you identify which plans may be available at the schools you are considering.
At Chapman, students can choose to apply through Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II or Regular Decision. Each plan has its own application deadline and requirements, so be sure to review the specific options available for your intended program.
Other decision plans you may encounter include:
- Restrictive Early Action: Similar to Early Action, Restrictive Early Action is non-binding, but it may limit the number of other colleges where you can apply early. Because restrictions vary by university, carefully review a school’s policy before choosing this option.
- Early Decision 0: Also known as Summer Student Early Notification (SSEN) at some institutions, this is an uncommon option that allows students to receive an admission decision particularly early, sometimes before the traditional early application cycle. Like other specialized decision plans, the requirements and level of commitment can vary by university.
Because colleges use different names and policies for their application plans, always check the admissions website for each school you are considering. A decision plan that sounds similar to one offered by another university may have different requirements, restrictions or commitments.
Key Differences Among Decision Plans
While each decision plan has its own advantages, the biggest differences come down to how certain you are about your college choice, how much flexibility you want and how much time you need to make your strongest application.
- Competitiveness: The competitiveness of an applicant pool can vary by college and decision plan. Early Decision applicants may demonstrate a particularly strong interest in a university because of the binding commitment, while Early Action can attract students who are prepared to apply early but want to keep their options open. Regular Decision may have a larger applicant pool. Rather than assuming one plan is easier than another, research how each college evaluates its different applicant pools and choose the option that best fits your circumstances.
- Application readiness: Applying early means you should feel confident that your application represents your best work at that point in your senior year. If you expect your grades, test scores, activities, or essays to improve significantly, Regular Decision may give you more opportunity to strengthen your application.
- Financial considerations: Your financial situation can also influence which plan makes sense. Students who need to compare financial aid offers may prefer a non-binding option, while Early Decision can limit your ability to compare offers from multiple colleges.
- Flexibility: If you already have a clear first-choice university, Early Decision may align with your goals. If you have several schools, you are excited about or are still exploring your options; Early Action or Regular Decision may provide greater flexibility.
How to Choose the Best Decision Plan for You
There is no single decision plan that is best for every student. Consider your application readiness, financial priorities and how confident you are in your college choices before deciding which option is right for you. If you are still not sure which option is best for you, reach out to your admission counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions about College Application Plans
Does applying early increase my chances of financial aid?
Applying to a school Early Action or Early Decision does not increase or decrease a student’s eligibility for financial aid. There is not “more money” available because you apply early; nor is money withheld for later applicants. However, applying Early Decision does hinder a student’s ability to compare financial aid packages.
Can I apply for regular decisions if I don’t get accepted early?
Generally, if you are not accepted to a school in the Early Decision or Early Action cycle, you are not eligible to reapply for Regular Decision. You can, however, reapply the following year or apply as a transfer student.
What are the disadvantages of Early Action?
Early Action requires you to have your application ready earlier in your senior year, which can mean less time to improve your grades, complete additional coursework, or strengthen your application. Applying early can also add pressure if you are not yet confident in your college choices. Additionally, Early Action does not guarantee an admissions advantage, so students should choose it because it fits their circumstances rather than assuming it will increase their chances of admission.
Does applying early give me an admission advantage?
Not necessarily. Applying Early Action or Early Decision can demonstrate that you are interested in a college, but applying early does not automatically improve your chances of admission. Admissions practices vary by university, so students should research how their prospective schools evaluate early applicants rather than assuming that one application plan is easier than another.
How do acceptance rates compare between Early Action and Regular Decision?
Acceptance rates can vary significantly between Early Action and Regular Decision, and a higher Early Action acceptance rate does not necessarily mean that applying early gives every student an advantage. Colleges may receive different types of applicants in each pool and may consider factors such as academic preparation, institutional priorities, and the overall strength of the applicant pool. Look at a college’s admissions information to understand how it approaches each decision plan.
What happens if I get deferred during Early Action or Early Decision?
A deferral means the college has decided to review your application again with the Regular Decision applicant pool rather than making a final admission decision during the early round. You can typically continue considering other colleges while you wait. If you are deferred from Early Decision, the binding commitment may still apply if you are ultimately admitted, although policies can vary by institution.
Can I switch from Early Action to Regular Decision?
Policies vary by college, so check with the admissions office before submitting your application. In many cases, once you submit an Early Action application, you cannot simply change it to Regular Decision. If you are concerned that your application would benefit from additional time, contact the college before the Early Action deadline to ask about its policy.
When are Chapman’s application deadlines?
Fall 2027 deadlines
November 1, 2026 is the deadline for:
- Early Action (non-binding)
- Early Decision I (binding)
We recommend anyone applying to a Creative Talent program (i.e., those that require a Creative Supplement) apply by November 1.
January 15, 2027 is the deadline for:
- Early Decision II (binding)
- Regular Decision deadline (all programs)
