College Admissions Strategy: Deadlines & Major Declaration

As you narrow down your college list, think about how different admissions plans and your decision to declare a major (or not) will affect your application experience. Both are critical components of your overall strategy. Your choices can significantly influence your chances of acceptance, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each.

Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Decision

Applying early certainly has benefits — you’ll know sooner, and you might only have to submit one application — but applying early isn’t for everyone. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each admissions plan will help you decide which makes the most sense for you.

Early Decision (ED)

If your heart is set on a school, applying early decision might make sense. This strategy shows the school that it’s your first choice and you’re committed to attending if accepted. 

• It is a binding agreement. ED acceptance will require you to withdraw all other applications.
• ED deadlines typically fall at the beginning or middle of November. Decisions are typically released in mid-December.
• If you choose ED, you can’t apply to other schools early, but you can apply via regular decision. 

Receiving an early acceptance can help relieve stress, and many students choose ED to boost their admissions odds. However, the commitment also has its drawbacks:

• If accepted, you’ll have no flexibility to compare financial aid offers from other schools.
• You’ll have less time to prepare your application and will need to start on other applications while you wait for your decision.
• Since senior fall grades aren’t part of the application, colleges will rely on your GPA and courses from freshman through junior years.

Early Action (EA)

Early action offers a more flexible early application option. You’ll still receive your admissions decision earlier but without the pressure to commit. 

• EA is non-binding, so you don’t have to accept your offer of admission.
• EA deadlines also fall in November, with admissions decisions coming out mid-December.
• There are two types of EA deadlines: early action and restrictive early action. Early action permits applications to multiple schools, but restrictive early action allows applications to just one school early.
• Whether you choose EA or REA, you can still apply to other schools via regular decision. 

If admitted early action, you get all the benefits of early decision without many drawbacks. Whatever the outcome, you can apply to other schools, compare financial aid packages, and hold off on making final decisions until May 1st. However, you’re still under the pressure of an earlier deadline and will need to apply without your senior year grades.

Regular Decision (RD)

The majority of college applicants apply regular decision. The main advantage? Extra time to prepare your applications. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to take the SAT or ACT again later and the added benefit of including fall grades on your transcript.

• RD is non-binding, so if multiple colleges offer admission, you can weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
• RD deadlines often fall in early January; however, some may come as early as November, and others fall later in February. Colleges release regular admissions decisions in mid-March to early April.
• RD allows unlimited applications, although many students cap their college applications at 10-12 schools.

Applying RD gives you the full flexibility to compare schools and financial aid options. The downside? A longer wait before you receive your decision and a larger pool of applicants.

Myths About Early Admissions

Here are four common myths about early admissions plans.

Myth 1: Colleges only have one early decision or early action deadline.
False: Colleges can have multiple early deadlines. For example, the University of Chicago offers four application deadlines: EA, ED I, ED II, and RD. While these later deadlines aren’t technically “early,” ED II plans are still binding and demonstrate your commitment to attending if accepted.

Myth 2: Applying early increases your chances of admission.
True: A higher percentage of applicants are admitted ED/EA than RD applicants. However, early application cycles also tend to draw more highly qualified applicants. You’ll be competing against other stellar students, so you need to do more to stand out.

Myth 3: If you aren’t admitted early, you aren’t getting in.
False: If you apply ED/EA, you could be deferred, and your application revisited with the other RD applicants. Should you receive a deferral notice, you’ll have to wait until the spring to receive your final decision. If you’re deferred and then accepted, you don’t have to accept the admission offer.

Myth 4: If you are admitted early, your senior year grades don’t matter.
False:  Most college acceptance letters are conditional, meaning colleges can absolutely revoke your offer of admission if there are concerns — typically if your senior-year grades drop significantly.

Declaring a Major vs. Going Undecided

Another key decision in the admissions process: declaring your major. It’s completely normal to be unsure about what you want to study — you’re definitely not alone!  Fortunately, there’s an alternative: declaring yourself as “undecided.” 

What does declaring a major mean?

College applications include an “Academics” section that asks you to indicate your intended area of study. You may be asked to select a major, a major and minor, or your top two to three majors of interest. Some colleges require you to declare a major on your application (but that doesn’t mean you’re locked in for your entire college career). Other college applications don’t have that requirement.

• Declaring a major shows admissions your plan and may qualify you for specific scholarships and opportunities. Conversely, declaring can lead to more competitive admissions and potentially limit your flexibility to take courses outside your major once you begin your studies.
• Applying undecided allows you to explore different subject areas while fulfilling your general education requirements. Plus, admissions officers will appreciate your honesty. A caveat: you may find it harder to declare certain majors later or need to catch up on introductory and prerequisite courses you didn’t take freshman year.

If I declare my major, am I stuck with it?

Not at all —  schools may ask for your top-choice majors, but you have the freedom to change programs once you’ve started school. Most U.S. colleges give students the flexibility to explore and change their major as needed. In fact, schools like Pomona College or Brown University admit students to the school — not a specific major. Asking you to declare a major on your application is a way to gauge your interests, not cement your commitment to a particular program. 

However, if a school does admit by major, things can get a bit tricker. For instance, the UC system considers certain majors selective/high-demand/capped. Admissions can’t admit every qualified student who applies. Applying with a declared major often increases your chances of acceptance to these competitive programs, which become even more competitive after your initial enrollment.

Building an admissions strategy

When it comes to declaring a major or choosing an admissions plan, there’s no wrong answer. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of applying early and see if it fits you. If you declare “undecided,” highlight the breadth of your interests in your application. If you declare a major, reflect on how it fits into your overall story, and include relevant essays, activities, and letters of recommendation to back it up.

Ultimately, the best college admissions strategy is the one aligned with your individual needs and goals — and leaves room for the possibilities ahead. Remember to research your preferred colleges' specific policies and deadlines thoroughly, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from your school counselor or a college admissions advisor. Good luck!

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to College Admissions here.