College admission options are multiple. Many students do not have full knowledge of the variety of options. Some of the options are binding, while others are more flexible, or nonbinding. Families need to be fully aware of the options prior to submitting the actual application.
Open Admission
Colleges with open admission policies are providing anyone the opportunity to apply and be accepted. Usually the only qualifiers for admission are a high school diploma/GED and application submission. Provided that these two items are met, students are automatically admitted to the college.
Which students are best for this option? High school students who may not have the best GPA (2.0 of lower) can benefit from this type of admission option. Many community colleges have an open admission policy, so English Language Learners who may not have the language skills and testing prerequisites to attend a traditional four year college can attend and open admission college.
Rolling Admission
Rolling admission is just that, rolling. Students may apply anytime during the admission timeline (usually September through July). The college admission committee offers admission throughout this time. Be aware that colleges have limited space for new freshmen students, so admission could close early. Most state colleges usually have rolling admission policies.
Regular Admission/Decision
This type of admission gives students the option to apply by a certain date. Once that date has passed, the college will review all the applications and send out admission decisions by a specific date. Colleges opting for this admission option are strict on their deadlines, so students should plan accordingly. Most moderately to selective colleges and private colleges offer regular admission.
Early Decision
The only binding or contractual admission option is the early decision. Students can opt for this admission option, but they are committing, or promising, to withdraw all other college applications if accepted to the early decision college. Students can only choose one college to apply to under the early decision option. Colleges that are considered highly selective offer early decision. The reasoning is that the option attracts highly qualified and competitive students to apply with the intention of accepting admission if chosen. Once the early decision process has finished, or the selection process, the remaining open spaces for admission are opened to students applying under the regular decision option.
Students and their parents need to review admission options carefully. Further information on admission options can be found on websites like the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and CollegeBound.net. The admission options can help students compete for admission to more competitive schools or to identify colleges within their reach.
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