In this lesson, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of college applications, including Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), Regular Decision (RD), Rolling Admissions, and Restrictive Early Action (REA). We’ll explore the unique characteristics of each application type, such as the binding nature of ED, the non-binding flexibility of EA, and the hybrid approach of REA. 

 This lesson dives into the key factors that can influence which application type is best for each student. We’ll explore how financial aid considerations can impact the decision to apply Early Decision or Regular Decision, as well as how scholarships and grants play into the equation. For student-athletes, we’ll discuss how recruiting timelines can affect application choices and strategies. Additionally, we’ll cover legacy admissions and the potential advantages it offers in applications. 

 This lesson focuses on creating a personalized timeline for managing multiple application deadlines. We’ll cover the importance of preparing Early Decision applications well in advance, including crafting strong essays and gathering recommendation letters. For Early Action and Restrictive Early Action, we’ll discuss how to balance these deadlines with Regular Decision applications, ensuring that students can submit high-quality materials for each. Rolling Admissions will also be addressed. 

 In the final lesson, students will bring together everything they’ve learned to build a comprehensive college application strategy. We’ll discuss how to decide which schools to apply to early, based on their goals and research, and how to balance early and regular applications to maximize acceptance chances. We’ll also cover the financial aid implications of each application type, particularly Early Decision, and help students make informed decisions about their application plans.