Big Applications
Common Application
Over 500 different universities are involved in the Common Application. This allows for students to use one application for many different schools. Please note: Some schools will require school-specific essays in addition to the common application. Click here for a list of common app schools and the site.
University of California (UC) Application
Click here to go to the UC application website. All UC schools require the student to apply through the University of California portal.
THE UC APP FILING PERIOD IS TYPICALLY FROM NOVEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30.
California State University (CSU) Application
CSUMentor is the portal for all Cal States. All applications for CSU's are made through this website.
THE CSU APP FILING PERIOD IS TYPICALLY FROM OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30.
Over 500 different universities are involved in the Common Application. This allows for students to use one application for many different schools. Please note: Some schools will require school-specific essays in addition to the common application. Click here for a list of common app schools and the site.
University of California (UC) Application
Click here to go to the UC application website. All UC schools require the student to apply through the University of California portal.
THE UC APP FILING PERIOD IS TYPICALLY FROM NOVEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30.
California State University (CSU) Application
CSUMentor is the portal for all Cal States. All applications for CSU's are made through this website.
THE CSU APP FILING PERIOD IS TYPICALLY FROM OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30.
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Types of Applications
Rolling
With rolling admission, students have a large window of time during which they can apply to a college or university. The application process typically opens up in the early fall, and it may continue right through the summer.
Unlike a regular admission process with a firm application deadline, rolling admission applicants are often notified of their acceptance or rejection within a few weeks of applying. A college with rolling admission typically accepts applications for as long as spaces are available.
Applicants should realize, however, that it is a mistake to view rolling admission as an excuse to put off applying to college. In many cases, applying early improves an applicant's chance of being accepted. Also, while there may be no application deadline, there typically are deadlines for scholarships, financial aid and housing. A late application may make it impossible to get any decent financial aid.
Early Decision
Should students apply via early decision, they should expect an earlier application deadline, often by the beginning of November. An acceptance via early decision is BINDING. Students who apply ED must know that this is a possibility. All students who wish to apply ED must get approval (and a signature on the ED paperwork) from the counseling staff. See Ms. Largent or Mr. Levine for more information on this.
Early Action
Early Action (EA) is typically much more flexible than ED. Early Action deadlines are also typically early in the application process, though are NOT binding decisions. Applying via EA indicates to the university that you are highly interested in the school, and you will typically hear back earlier than regular decision. EA applicants have typically already taken their SAT/ACT and have scores to report.
Click here to see the differences between ED and EA.
Priority Decision
A priority application can mean a few different things. For most colleges, it means that if you have your application submitted by the priority deadline, then you'll get your acceptance decision back at an earlier date. For other colleges, it can mean that they'll waive your application fees or that you'll be considered for special scholarships. Read the fine print on the application or the college website to find out what they're specifically offering with a priority application, and make sure that it isn't a binding early decision application.
Regular Decision
The most common decision deadline is the regular decision deadline. This is simply the deadline for all applications. Schools will then look at the large application pool and decide based on the total applicants and space. Of the various types of applications, this is the largest competitive pool of applicants.
With rolling admission, students have a large window of time during which they can apply to a college or university. The application process typically opens up in the early fall, and it may continue right through the summer.
Unlike a regular admission process with a firm application deadline, rolling admission applicants are often notified of their acceptance or rejection within a few weeks of applying. A college with rolling admission typically accepts applications for as long as spaces are available.
Applicants should realize, however, that it is a mistake to view rolling admission as an excuse to put off applying to college. In many cases, applying early improves an applicant's chance of being accepted. Also, while there may be no application deadline, there typically are deadlines for scholarships, financial aid and housing. A late application may make it impossible to get any decent financial aid.
Early Decision
Should students apply via early decision, they should expect an earlier application deadline, often by the beginning of November. An acceptance via early decision is BINDING. Students who apply ED must know that this is a possibility. All students who wish to apply ED must get approval (and a signature on the ED paperwork) from the counseling staff. See Ms. Largent or Mr. Levine for more information on this.
Early Action
Early Action (EA) is typically much more flexible than ED. Early Action deadlines are also typically early in the application process, though are NOT binding decisions. Applying via EA indicates to the university that you are highly interested in the school, and you will typically hear back earlier than regular decision. EA applicants have typically already taken their SAT/ACT and have scores to report.
Click here to see the differences between ED and EA.
Priority Decision
A priority application can mean a few different things. For most colleges, it means that if you have your application submitted by the priority deadline, then you'll get your acceptance decision back at an earlier date. For other colleges, it can mean that they'll waive your application fees or that you'll be considered for special scholarships. Read the fine print on the application or the college website to find out what they're specifically offering with a priority application, and make sure that it isn't a binding early decision application.
Regular Decision
The most common decision deadline is the regular decision deadline. This is simply the deadline for all applications. Schools will then look at the large application pool and decide based on the total applicants and space. Of the various types of applications, this is the largest competitive pool of applicants.