Key Terms in College Admissions
The college application process can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing. Every college or university may have different deadlines and policies for admission. It’s important to keep organized and plan ahead. Here are some important terms to keep on your mind as you conduct your college search:
- Early Action Deadline: Application deadline where a student receives an early response to their application but does not have to commit to the college until their spring reply date.
- Early Decision Deadline: Application deadline where a student receives an early response to their application and, if accepted, must attend that college.
- Regular Decision Deadline: Application deadline where students apply during the regular cycle and follow standard application and reply deadlines
- Holistic Review: A process of reviewing applications of admission that involves considering a variety of factors, such as academics, extra-curricular activities, and context.
- Test-Optional: A policy that means the college or university allows students to decide whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process.
- Test-Blind or Test-Free: A policy that means the college or university will not consider a student’s SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process.