College Application Deadlines For Fall 2023 Admission

Early Decision Deadlines

Similar to early action, early decision means applying to a college and getting an admission decision around mid-December. Some colleges offer two early decision deadlines (usually called Early Decision I and II).

Unlike early action, early decision comes with a binding agreement to enroll. In other words, if you get in, you must pay a nonrefundable deposit and immediately withdraw all of your other college applications. This is why students applying early decision should be completely set on attending a particular school.

One caveat of early decision is that you're entering an agreement without seeing your financial aid offer. For those depending on financial aid to cover most or all of their tuition, this could pose serious concerns.

Some schools may help you explore additional aid options, but adjustments aren't guaranteed.

Regular Decision Deadlines

Most students apply to college under regular decision. These deadlines commonly fall in January or February. Typically, you'll hear back from prospective schools in March or April and must follow up with your decision about whether to enroll by May 1.

As one of the widest application windows, regular decision ensures students have ample time to gather materials, prepare their essays, and take any required exams. These deadlines also give you additional time to carefully consider your college options.

The downside of waiting until the final application window means that if you get rejected, you'll have to wait until the following academic term or year to reapply. Alternatively, you could get waitlisted, which means you may or may not get accepted depending on whether any spots open up.

Rolling Admission Deadlines

Rather than maintaining set deadlines, colleges with rolling admission evaluate applications as they come in. These schools usually offer several application windows a year. In general, they'll accept and review applications until all spots in the upcoming class are filled.

Most rolling-admission colleges open up admissions around September 1. This window can last all the way through spring, depending on how many spots remain, though some schools may adhere to the May 1 deadline.

Many schools use a rolling admission policy to evaluate transfer applicants as well. Transfer students should begin the application process well ahead of their prospective school's posted application deadline. Each school maintains its own application window and transfer credit policies, so be sure you carefully read over these requirements before applying.