Applying to college is usually not that bad, unless you are doing it last minute, then it becomes a stressful time. If you are reading this article, you are a little lost and probably a little late, but dont worry I gotchu! For seniors in Florida and some other states, November 1st is a crucial date for early action, with regular decision deadlines following shortly after. Here’s a breakdown to help keep you on track.
– Early Action (EA): Non-binding option. You’ll receive an earlier decision, but can still apply to other schools and won’t have to commit until the regular decision deadline in the spring.
– Early Decision (ED): Binding option, meaning that if you’re accepted, you must attend. This can be a good choice if you’re sure about one school and want to boost your chances of admission.
(There are financial options if you’re accepted through Early Decision (ED). However, if you realize the financial aid package doesn’t cover enough for you to afford it, there’s usually a way out. Most colleges with ED policies understand this and will let you turn down the offer if the financial aid isn’t enough to make it work. Just be sure you know all the details and feel confident about finances before going with an ED application).
Many Florida colleges offer early action and early decision, including:
– Florida State University (EA): October 15
– University of Central Florida (EA): October 22
– University of Florida (EA): November 1
– University of Miami (ED): November 1
– Florida Atlantic University (EA): November 1
Regular Decision Deadlines
For those who may need a little extra time to prepare or want to apply to more schools, regular decision (RD) deadlines are usually later, often in January or February. Here’s when you can expect deadlines for regular decision at some top Florida and out-of-state schools:
– University of Florida (UF): January 15
– Florida State University (FSU): December 1st
– University of Miami (UM): January 1st
– University of Central Florida (UCF): May 1st
– University of South Florida (USF): March 1st
Some Out-of-state schools that many Florida students consider typically have these deadlines:
– University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: January 15th
– University of Michigan: February 1st
– University of Virginia: January 1st
– University of Georgia: January 1st
– New York University (NYU): January 5th
Tips for Staying on Track
– Organize Your Deadlines: Keep track of all deadlines and requirements, like recommendation letters and test scores.
– Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: Many applications have multiple components, including essays and portfolios, that can take time to perfect.
– Double-Check: Each school has its own list of requirements, so make sure to submit everything they ask for by the deadline.
– Meet With Your Counselor: Counselors can be valuable resources for ensuring you’re on track and have all your application components ready. (Especially Dr. Keller)
Final Thoughts
With November 1st around the corner, now’s the time to get all your materials together and hit submit! Early action and early decision are great ways to hear back sooner, but remember, regular decision is also an option if you need more time. Good luck, and remember to stay organized, as college application season will be over before you know it!
