4️⃣ School Selection 104 (POLL): Finalizing Your School Application Timeline 🎯

Once you have your school list, the next step is deciding when to apply where. No need to stress about this now (‼️), but understanding timelines and deadlines early will help you stay ahead and apply strategically!

📌 Step 1: Set Your Strategy in the Summer

By the summer before senior year, you should have a clear plan for which schools you’re applying to and in which round. This ensures you stay ahead of deadlines and make the most of strategic early applications.

📊 Step 2: Understanding Application Rounds

🔹 Early Decision (ED) – Binding → Higher acceptance rates, but you must attend if accepted. Best for a top-choice Reach school where you're competitive.

🔹 Early Action (EA) – Non-Binding → Apply early, get results in December. Best for Target/Reach schools to get early peace of mind.

🔹 Restrictive Early Action (REA) → One private school only (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.). Best if it’s your clear first choice but you want to keep RD options open.

🔹 Regular Decision (RD) → Apply by January/February, results in March/April. Best for a mix of Dream, Reach, Target & Safety schools.

🔹 Rolling Admissions → Schools review apps as they come—apply early to secure at least one Safety option!

🚀 Step 3: Applying Smart

✔️ ED for a top Reach where you have a solid chance.

✔️ EA for flexibility at Target/Reach schools.

✔️ RD for Dream schools or if you need more time.

✔️ Apply early to Rolling schools to lock in at least one acceptance.

🚨 Step 4: Key Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ ED to an unrealistic Dream → Wastes your early boost.

❌ Late Rolling Admissions → Fewer spots = lower chances.

❌ Weak early apps → Rushing = lower quality.

🗳️ POLL: Have you hear about early applications before?