Application Process and Timeline
First, let’s clarify some key terminology in U.S. college applications. There are typically three types of admission decisions: Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Regular Decision (RD). ED and EA are collectively referred to as early admission, while RD is the regular application process.
ED stands for Early Decision, which refers to binding early admission. EA stands for Early Action, which refers to non-binding early admission. The main difference between the two is that you can only apply to one school through ED. This school is often the student’s dream university; if admitted via ED, the student is committed to attending that institution. In contrast, EA has no limit on the number of schools you can apply to, provided the student has enough time to handle the application essays. Additionally, there are special options such as Restrictive Early Action (REA) and Rolling Admission. REA can be understood as an ED-like option where you cannot apply to other private universities via EA. In other words, after applying REA to a specific school, you cannot apply EA to other private schools, but you may still apply EA to public universities. Only certain schools offer REA, and specific requirements will be listed on each university’s official website. Please review these details carefully before making your decision.
Generally, the application timeline is as follows:
June of sophomore year (11th grade): With standardized test scores and a list of extracurricular activities in hand, finalize your college list.
Around October 15: Submit the first batch of EA applications. By November 1, most ED/EA deadlines pass. Before this date, complete your ED/EA supplemental essays, which include additional short essays and "Why Us" essays.
Before the end of November: Submit applications for the University of California (UC) system.
Early December: ED/EA results are released. During this period, do not stop working on your RD essays (just in case).
Early January: Deadline for submitting RD and ED II applications.
Early February: ED II results are released.
March: RD results are released gradually.
May: Confirm your final college choice. If you receive more than one offer through RD, you must decide which school to attend and pay a deposit to the university to secure your enrollment.
Overall Planning
After briefly introducing the application process, let’s discuss the importance of overall planning in college applications. GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular achievements and awards, and personal essays are all essential components that cannot be overlooked.
Standardized Tests
We recommend focusing on the TOEFL during freshman year (9th grade) and aiming to achieve a usable score, ideally around 100, before sophomore year (10th grade). This allows you to focus primarily on the SAT in subsequent years, supplemented by SAT Subject Tests and AP exams. Strive to complete all standardized testing by October of senior year (12th grade).
Planning and Preparation for Extracurricular Activities and Awards
Although it may seem like you have all three years of high school to prepare, in reality, students should focus their efforts during freshman and sophomore years. Why? Because senior year is a dense period for applications. Preparing new activities during this time would consume significant application preparation time and leave students overwhelmed. Furthermore, even if new activities are developed late, they are difficult to include effectively in applications and may lack credibility. Therefore, we do not recommend leaving activity preparation until senior year.
Essay Writing
The personal essay should reflect your unique characteristics, based on experiences and insights gained before senior year. These experiences and insights could stem from your role as an organizer or participant in activities, or from specific experiences at a school. The key is to highlight your individuality and personal strengths.
