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 ~ A word from our founder, The HomeScholar Emeritus, Lee Binz ~

This is a chapter from my book, College Admission Policies Demystified: Understanding Homeschool Requirements for Getting In. You can purchase a copy in print or Kindle version on Amazon.

Chapter 1

College Application Lexicon

College applications have their own unique vocabulary. As you look toward college admission, you'll notice there are many different choices for how to apply. Here are the NACAC definitions of terms for different kinds of application plans.

Admission Terms for NACAC

• Non-Restrictive Application Plans allow the student to wait until May 1 to confirm enrollment. A student may apply to other institutions without restriction.
• Regular Decision is when a student submits an application to an institution by a specified date and receives a decision within a reasonable and clearly stated period of time.
• Rolling Admission is when an institution reviews applications as they are completed and renders admission decisions to students throughout the admission cycle.

• Early Action (EA) is when the student applies to an institution of preference early and receives a decision well in advance of the school's regular response date. A student admitted under Early Action is not obligated to accept the institution's offer of admission or to submit a deposit prior to May 1 and may apply to other colleges.
• Early Decision (ED) is when a student makes a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll. While pursuing admission under an Early Decision plan, a student may apply to other institutions, but may have only one ED application pending at any time. Should a student who applies for financial aid not be offered an award that makes attendance possible, the student may decline the offer of admission and be released from the ED commitment. The institution must notify the applicant of the decision within a reasonable and clearly stated time after the ED deadline. Usually, a non-refundable deposit must be made well in advance of May 1. The institution will respond to an application for financial aid at or near the time of an offer of admission. Institutions with ED plans may restrict students from applying to other early plans. Institutions clearly articulate their specific policies in their Early Decision agreement.

• Restrictive Early Action (REA) is when a student applies to an institution of preference and receives a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date. They may place restrictions on EA, ED, or REA student applications to other schools. Institutions will clearly articulate these restrictions in their Early Action policies and agreements with the student. A student admitted under Restrictive Early Action is not obligated to accept the institution's offer of admission or to submit a deposit prior to May 1.

College Admission Policies Demystified is one of my Coffee Break Books. What are Coffee Break Books? These are books designed for YOU - a busy homeschool parent feeling frustrated by something, and needing information NOW - all put together in an easy-to-read, short, simple format. Coffee Break Books are perfect for overwhelmed, sleep-deprived moms with a baby on their hip. Simple, large font makes them easy to read even when distracted or pulled in a million directions. They are designed to help parents tackle just ONE issue of homeschooling during just ONE coffee break! Each book combines a practical and friendly approach with detailed, easy-to-digest information. Never overwhelming, always accessible and manageable, each book in the series will give you the tools you need to tackle the tasks of homeschooling high school, one warm sip at a time.

Learn more about College Admission Policies Demystified in my video review below!

This is a chapter from my book, College Admission Policies Demystified: Understanding Homeschool Requirements for Getting In. You can purchase a copy in print or Kindle version on Amazon.