College Admissions Deadlines: ED, EA, REA, Rolling, and RD Explained

College applications are open, and students are submitting applications. Rolling applications may already be in review. While September 15 is the first Early Action deadline of which I am aware, students applying to college in the 2025-2026 admissions cycle should understand the various admissions deadlines, the pros and cons of each, and how to evaluate, based on personal context, which deadline(s) is/are best. Like most aspects of the college admissions process, admission deadlines are more complicated than they appear. A strategic college admissions process includes a solid understanding of what each admissions deadline means and adhering to the deadlines that make the most sense for YOU.

Why College Deadlines Matter

Application plans are not just calendar dates; they can influence the odds of admission, financial leverage, and senior-year workload. Before clicking “submit,” students should understand how each plan works—and which one genuinely fits their academic profile, family budget, and stress tolerance.

Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision is binding; admitted students agree to pay the deposit and withdraw all other applications. Students may only apply ED to ONE college or university. So why are students willing to accept the restrictions and apply ED? At some colleges, applying ED significantly increases the odds of acceptance, including Duke University (12.8% vs. 3.67% Class of 2029) and Vanderbilt University (13.2% vs. 3.3% Class of 2029). Some smaller, elite schools have two ED deadlines, indicating the importance they place on ED to fill their classes and covet their yield. Colleges with two ED deadlines include: Boston University, Case Western Reserve, Claremont-McKenna, Davidson College, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Northeastern University, New York University, Pomona College, Tulane University, University of Chicago, Wake Forest University, and others. While applicants who apply ED can expect to be notified quickly, students and parents must understand the commitment they are signing off on and what the numbers actually mean for them.

Click HERE for a list of colleges offering Early Decision Admissions

Who should apply ED?

Students who feel certain that an institution is the right fit for them–academically, socially, and financially–should consider ED. Since ED is binding, make sure to know what you will pay by using the institution’s net price calculator and communicating with the financial aid office. 

Early Action (EA)

Access to scholarships and honors programs, along with completing the college application process before senior year, are good incentives to apply EA. Also, colleges are accepting more and more students in the early action pool. Students who apply EA receive admissions decisions earlier.

Who should apply EA?

Students with solid junior year transcripts and, if applicable, test scores should apply EA.

Restrictive Early Action (REA)

Although not as common as EA and ED, some highly-rejective private schools, including Harvard, Notre Dame, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, offer some version of REA. What this means is that applicants agree not to apply EA or ED to other private institutions or ED to a state university. As with EA and ED, REA applicants can expect a decision early, but unlike ED, it is not binding.

Who should apply REA

Students who feel certain that an institution is the right fit for them–academically, socially, and financially–may consider REA. Since REA imposes restrictions on college applicants, students should ensure their lists are balanced and that the regular decision deadlines work for them.

Rolling Admissions (RA)

Rolling admissions is when colleges evaluate and respond to applications as they are received. Students who apply to schools with rolling admissions should get those applications submitted early (think opportunity cost & merit scholarships).

Who should apply RA?

Students who feel their application is ready for review can apply early in the admissions cycle and expect a response in a timely manner.

Regular Decision (RD)

Typically, this is the latest date by which an institution will accept applications. 

Who should apply RD?

Students who believe they will be more competitive for a college or university due to senior grades, stronger test scores, or other factors can wait and apply RD.

Which Admissions Cycle Is Best?

The answer depends on each student and their unique context: It is important to be strategic (i.e., consider application strength and institution) and evaluate ALL data when making a decision. While most of my clients apply EA because it demonstrates enthusiasm, meets Honors Programs deadlines, and gives first dibs on merit scholarships, there are times when applying ED or RD is more appropriate. That said, students who complete applications early and have a good idea where they will go early in the New Year feel accomplished and more settled.

Bottom Line

No single application plan is “best” for everyone. The right choice depends on academic record, family finances, and personal priorities. Use the information above, combined with institutional data, to craft a plan that serves your goals.

For more information on which college admissions cycle is best for you and why, or anything else related to the college admissions process, feel free to contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.