college early applications

Collegiate Gateway’s Guide to Early Admissions Policies

If you are confused about restrictive and non-restrictive early admissions policies for college applications, you are not alone! We can answer your questions about the differences in ED (early decision), REA (restrictive early action), SCEA (single-choice early action), and EA (early action) policies.

Who Benefits from Early Decision?

How does Early Decision benefit students and colleges? What is the impact of Early Decision on Regular Decision admissions programs, and why are more colleges using Early Decision to fill almost half of their incoming classes? Find out the answers to all of these questions and more!

Early Admissions Decisions: Your Next Steps

After receiving your college decisions for early admissions, there are a variety of actions you can – and should – take. If you’ve accepted a binding admissions decision, we’ll tell you how to start off your college career on the right foot. If not, we’ll help you maximize your admissions chances going forward.

Early College Admissions Notification Dates 2024-25

Congratulations on submitting your early college applications! Now you may be wondering when you will find out your college admissions results! See our list of early admissions notification dates for many selective schools for the 2024-25 application cycle.

How to Write a Compelling College Match Essay

Read our tips for writing an effective college match essay for your college applications. The ideal match essay will paint a picture of a two-way street in which the college is a great fit for you, and you are a great fit for it. In order to do this successfully, you’ll need to thoroughly research each college you’re applying to, then compose a compelling piece of writing articulating the specific “match” areas you’ve identified.

College Applicant Portals

Why should students take the time to set up a college applicant portal? Read on to find out more about the functionality of these online platforms and why it’s important to follow through and set up your account.

Tips for Creating a College Application Video Submission

Several highly selective colleges now offer the opportunity to submit a short video with your college application. Check out our advice for giving your top schools a glimpse of your unique character.

Merit Scholarships from Colleges

Many colleges award merit aid to entice high-performing students to attend their schools. Find out which factors determine merit scholarships and how these funds are typically awarded.

Early Admissions for the Class of 2028: Part V: Impact of Early Decision on Regular Decision

Many colleges with Early Decision programs are now filling at least 40% or more of their incoming first-year class through ED. This leaves significantly fewer spots for the vastly greater numbers of students who apply through Regular Decision. For future college applicants, consider our stats in determining where to apply Early and Regular Decision.

Early Admissions for the Class of 2028: Part IV: Who Benefits from Early Decision?

How does Early Decision benefit students and colleges? What is the impact of Early Decision on Regular Decision admissions programs, and why are more colleges using Early Decision to fill almost half of their incoming classes? Find out the answers to all of these questions and more!

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