Week 5: Sept. 11

Article published on College Raptor By Hilary Cairns

Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, rolling admissions, and major-specific are different types of college applications. In this guide, we cover the different college application deadlines in more depth and provide must-know tips and information about each.

When are college applications due?

The five main types of college application deadlines are Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, rolling admissions, and major-specific. Very few schools offer all five.

Early Decision

Early Decision applications are often due on November 1 or 15 but some schools have deadlines as soon as October 1. You can expect to hear back by Mid-December. If you’re accepted, you need to submit your deposit in the next few weeks. Early Decision is an early application round that is for students who are absolutely sure they want to attend a specific school. If you’re accepted, it’s considered binding meaning you’re expected to attend. You can back out of the contract without consequences if you’re not offered enough financial aid and for other select reasons. However, simply deciding not to go because you’ve changed your mind can impact other college applications and make you lose out on your deposit. You can only apply to one school under Early Decision. Colleges share lists, and if you’re caught applying to more than one, you’ll likely have your acceptance offers rescinded. Some schools also offer Early Decision II, which is a second round of this application type. Its deadline usually matches the Regular Decision deadline – January 1. Students should hear back by mid-February.

Early Action

Early Action deadlines are usually November 1 or 15, with answers arriving in mid-December. It also allows students to apply to a college sooner and hear back faster, but without the “binding” aspect. It’s ideal for students who are confident on where they’d like to attend but still want to keep their options open. You won’t have to make a decision on whether to attend until May 1. A handful of colleges also have Early Action II with a January 1 deadline and expected reply by mid-February.

Generally, you can apply to several schools under Early Action. However, if your college has “Restrictive Early Action (REA),” you can only apply to that single school through Early Action and Early Decision.

Regular Decision

Most students will apply to a college under Regular Decision. You can apply to as many schools as you’d like. With a later deadline of January 1 or early January, Regular Decision applicants have plenty of time to work on their essays, retake the ACT or SAT, and fine tune their application. Some schools even have Regular Decision deadlines going into February. Students tend to receive admission letters starting in mid-March. You should have a reply by early April. You’ll need to notify the college of your decision and submit a deposit by May 1.

Rolling admission

Rolling admission colleges accept applications until classes are about to start or until all the seats are full, whichever comes first. Some even accept applications weeks into the fall semester. Many community colleges operate on a rolling admissions cycle, but some 4-year colleges and universities do, too. However, many rolling admission colleges have priority deadlines, usually January 1 or in mid-spring. If you have your application in before that date, you’ll be more likely to receive an acceptance letter (and financial aid package) than a student who submits after. Many rolling admission colleges send acceptance letters on a rolling basis, meaning the earlier you apply, the sooner you’ll hear back. Some schools define rolling admission slightly differently – if you apply too late for the upcoming semester, the institution will consider your application during the following application cycle.

Major-specific

Some majors, such as theatre, music, and engineering, require separate applications in addition to a regular application. These programs are usually highly competitive with earlier deadlines and sometimes require additional materials, such as a portfolio. For competitive majors, you typically need to have your application and materials in by the school’s Early Action or Early Decision deadlines. When you hear back depends on the program and college.

Other must-know college application dates

College students should know a few other important college application dates to potentially save money and make the transition to higher education smoother:

• FAFSA deadline: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1 each year. Colleges typically require the form by February or earlier. Submitting your FAFSA late may result in you losing out on free money.
• State grant due dates: Many state grant programs recommend submitting the required materials, such as the FAFSA, as soon as possible as the funds are first come, first served.
• Decision day: Most colleges require your decision on whether you’re attending by May 1.

Be ready to submit your applications at least a week before the due date. You don’t want a technical error or missing material at the last minute resulting in a rejected submission.

Tips for a smooth application process

Staying organized is key to navigating the college application process efficiently and with less stress.

• Apply through the Common App, if possible. The Common App is accepted by over 1,000 colleges and can help streamline your applications.
• Use a checklist. Include application deadlines, financial and scholarship deadlines, required documents, and essay requirements for each college on your shortlist.
• Seek guidance. Guidance counselors, teachers, and trusted mentors can provide valuable insights and advice throughout the process. They can help with college selection, feedback on essays, writing recommendation letters, or any other aspect of applications.
• Apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. A balanced college list with a mix of reach, match, and safety schools gives you more options with potentially more acceptance letters.

College application FAQ

Can I apply to multiple schools under Early Action?

In most cases, yes, you can apply to multiple schools under Early Action. However, you can only apply to a single college under Early Action or Early Decision if the school uses “Restrictive Early Action” or similar. You’re still welcome to submit applications to other schools through Regular Decision.

What is the benefit of applying under Early Decision?

There are several benefits to applying under Early Decision including potentially less work and a higher chance of acceptance.

Many colleges have higher acceptance rates during Early Decision (and Early Action) compared to Regular Decision, and several weigh demonstrated interest high when reviewing applications. These early submissions show you’re very interested in attending and will enroll if you’re accepted.

If you’re accepted to your Early Decision choice, you also have less work to do. You won’t have to submit additional applications and you can rest easy for the rest of your senior year knowing you’ve already made your college decision.

Should I apply under Early Action or Early Decision?

Whether you should apply under Early Action or Early Decision depends on your personal goals, the available application types at your school, your financial aid needs, and application strength.

Here are some examples of when a college admission choice is the right option for you.

• Early decision: You’re 100% confident this college is the one for you.
• Early action: You’re pretty sure this college is the one for you and/or you want to receive a response faster.
• Regular decision: You think this college is a good choice or it’s a safety school. You might also apply under Regular Decision if you want more time to complete your application or take the SAT/ACT.
• Rolling admissions: You think this college is a good choice, you didn’t get accepted to your other options, or it’s a solid safety school.
• Major-specific: You have your heart set on a very specific major.

Schools also typically don’t offer all application types. You might have limited options.

*SAVE THE DATE: OCT 1 Career Fair @HRHS during ACCESS

Celebrating its 40th anniversary with the theme "FUSION."

• Dates: October 7 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and October 8 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
• Location: Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.
• Exhibitors: Over 100 manufacturer exhibits featuring emerging AV, broadcast, and production technology.
• Focus Areas: Audio and video integration, production and post-production workflows, and live-to-on-demand storytelling.
• Free (but need to register)

In Naviance, please make sure to add any colleges in which you might be interested to the "colleges I am interested in" section. When colleges reach out for nominations for fly ins or early acceptance scholarships, we would love to include your name. Schools like Swathmore, Embry Riddle, High Point University, and others may ask and I'd love to be able to suggest you.

SEPT 18 College Fairs USA @ CU Denver 9:30-12:30pm

OCT 1 Career Fair @HRHS

OCT 1 CCHS/CR Day/Night College Fair @HRHS 6:00pm-7:30pm

OCT 2 Denver Music College Fair @University of Denver, 7-9pm

OCT 3 Great Denver College Fair @Mountain Vista High School, 10:00am-12:00pm

OCT 6 Senior Panoramic Photo @ 9:15am

OCT 17 NACAC National College Fair @Convention Center 1:00-4:00pm

NOV TBD Denver Center for the Performing Arts College Fair 7:00pm – 9:00pm

NOV TBD FAFSA Night

FEB 10 Future Planning Night (9th, 10th, 11th Grade Parents)

FEB 21 Practice SAT for Juniors

MAR TBD RMACAC College Fair

MAR 9 College Fair @HRHS (During Access)

MAR 23 Senior Graduation Meeting

MAY 17 Senior Honors Convocation by invitation only 5:30 pm

MAY 18 Senior Breakfast/Mandatory Senior Mtg/Graduation Practice

MAY 19 Graduation @ Red Rocks Amphitheater 7:00 pm

Meet with professional representatives and faculty from accredited art and design colleges and universities to get direct feedback on your creative portfolio. Get tips on what specific programs look for in undergraduate applicants.

You can view participating institutions and sign up through the National Portfolio Day Schedule.

The Common App opened up on August 1 and many of you have begun filling out applications already. Please be mindful of college application deadlines and plan ahead so that you are not scrambling at the last minute to get everything submitted. Whether you are applying via common app OR direct to the institution, here is the process you should follow for requesting supplemental materials at HRHS:

1. Create your brag sheet/high school resume. Fill out the "Student profile" for both counselors and teachers in Naviance if you will be requesting a letter of recommendation. In Naviance click on "About Me" then click on "Surveys from your School". Both surveys are housed there. You can use this for scholarship recommendation letters as well.
2. Research Colleges and finalize your list. Several colleges will have meet and greets in post grad this fall(see above) so make a list of the school visits you want to attend and mark them as “Colleges I’m Applying To” or “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance.
3. Complete your personal college essay.
4. Retake the ACT/SAT if you want a higher score.
5. Visit the college website to check for application requirements and/or to apply. You may be able to apply through Common App for many colleges.

• Next, you will request transcripts and letters of recommendation (if required) through Naviance.
• You should only ask 1 or 2 teachers about writing you a letter of Recommendation IMPORTANT- please make sure to ask them via email or in person and receive a YES response from them BEFORE adding the letter of recommendation request in Common App/Naviance. Once they have agreed, send them your brag sheet or let them know your student profile is complete in Naviance.
• Go to colleges I'm applying to - red + to add colleges - request transcript. If you applied through Common App, match your account.
• You will then pay for transcripts through MySchoolBucks. Look for HRHS TRANSCRIPTS and complete the form. (This is not invoiced to your account...you pay prior to me sending the transcripts)
• The last step will be for students to email me to let me know everything you intend to send (transcript, letters of recommendation, if you applied through common app) or communicate with me in some way so that I can help you through the process. The earlier the better so we don't miss deadlines. Make sure you check your email everyday as I will communicate via email if there is an issue with your application or transcript, etc.
• I will send an email confirmation once transcript, etc. is sent to the student email and the account listed for myschoolbucks.

Admissions representatives will be in POST GRAD starting in September. Reps will provide a brief overview of each institution, information on admissions and financial aid, and a chance to speak informally with admissions representatives. You should register to attend and then come by post grad to pick up a hall pass if the visit is during class time.

• Call or e-mail Post Grad (contact info on the Post Grad home page)
• Register with RepVisits

• 9/14/26, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN, 9:00am
• 9/14/26, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 9:30am
• 9/14/26, Landmark College, Putney, VT, 11:00am
• 9/14/26, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 11:30am
• 9/15/26, Linfield University, McMinnville, OR, 10:00am
• 9/15/26, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 11:30am
• 9/15/26, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 12:30pm
• 9/15/26, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, 1:00pm
• 9/16/26, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 8:30am
• 9/16/26, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, 11:30am
• 9/17/26, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 8:30am
• 9/17/26, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 10:00am
• 9/17/26, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 12:00pm
• 9/18/26, Willamette University, Salem, OR, 8:30am
• 9/18/26, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, 9:30am
• 9/22/26, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO, 12:00pm
• 9/28/26, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, 10:00am
• 9/28/26, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 11:00am
• 9/28/26, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, 12:00pm
• 9/28/26, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL, 12:30pm
• 9/29/26, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, 8:30am
• 9/29/26, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 9:00am
• 9/29/26, Stonehill College, Easton, MA, 11:00am
• 9/29/26, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, 1:00pm
• 9/29/26, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, 1:30pm
• 9/29/26, Reed College, Portland, OR, 2:00pm
• 9/30/26, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, 9:30am
• 10/1/26, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, 11:00am
• 10/1/26, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 12:30pm
• 10/1/26, Whittier College, Whittier, CA, 1:30pm
• 10/2/26, Penn State University Park, University Park, PA, 8:30am
• 10/2/26, Providence College, Providence, RI, 9:00am
• 10/2/26, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, 9:30am
• 10/2/26, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 10:00am
• 10/2/26, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 10:30am
• 10/2/26, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 11:00am
• 10/2/26, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, 1:00pm
• 10/5/26, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, 10:30am
• 10/5/26, Florida Tech, Melbourne, FL, 11:30am
• 10/6/26, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 8:30am
• 10/6/26, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 10:00am
• 10/6/26, Elon University, Elon, NC, 10:30am
• 10/6/26, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, 11:00am
• 10/6/26, Arizona State University- Tempe, Tempe, AZ, 12:00pm
• 10/8/26, Binghamton University, Vestal, NY, 8:30am
• 10/8/26, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 9:00am
• 10/9/26, Temple University Japan, Setagaya-ku, 13, 12:30pm
• 10/19/26, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, 9:30am
• 10/19/26, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, 11:00am
• 10/20/26, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, IA, 11:00am
• 10/20/26, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 12:00pm
• 10/20/26, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 12:30pm
• 10/20/26, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO, 1:00pm
• 10/20/26, Colorado State University Pueblo, Pueblo, CO, 2:00pm
• 10/21/26, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 12:30pm
• 10/22/26, Clark University, Worcester, MA, 8:30am
• 10/26/26, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 11:30am
• 10/26/26, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, Stillwater, OK, 12:00pm
• 10/29/26, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 1:00pm

No time to visit campus in person? Try watching The College Tours. Each episode of the award-winning TV series shares the story of a single college or university through the authentic lens of its current students. Learn from real students about their real experiences on campus. This TV series is a comprehensive guide to aid your college research, helping you answer the ultimate question: ‘Which college is best for me?’ Take the ultimate campus tour now by watching episodes of this informative TV series. The College Tour at High Point University

• ACT's "My Journey" is a free series of live and on-demand webinars designed for high school students and families to navigate college planning, admissions, and career readiness. Led by Collegewise experts, these sessions cover topics like building application roadmaps, finding scholarships, and selecting colleges.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it on time. Your registration includes a recording of the event delivered straight to your inbox.

• Check the Scholarship website on the HRHS website for scholarships and scholarship search engines to help you find scholarships that meet your qualifications.
• I update scholarships that are sent to HRHS seeking potential applicants weekly. It is sorted by application due date.
• I will also post some in this newsletter

The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest are intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students. United States citizenship is not required. The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality, and being worthy of trust cooperation, courtesy, and contributing to the welfare of others personality, self-control, ability to assume responsibility, ability to inspire others, and a decision-maker devotion to and support of one’s country, supporting service members and veterans, working for causes that make one’s community stronger, and appreciating the cultural and historical importance of America’s unique population. Our school is only able to select one student to submit an essay for this scholarship so if you are interested in being considered, please submit your name to Mrs. Sadler.

Seniors took their first SAT in April 2026, and many choose to take it again this fall to improve their score. The SAT can help you keep your college options open, demonstrate your unique strengths, and even qualify for scholarships. And with 100% free practice resources, now including enhanced tailored practice based on your prior test scores and free small-group tutoring, you’ll have everything you need to get prepared.

Upcoming SAT Test Dates (Registration Deadline)

September 12 (August 28)

October 3 (September 18)

November 7 (October 23)

December 5 (November 20)

Upcoming ACT Test Dates (Registration Deadline)

• September 19, 2026 (August 14)
• October 17, 2026 (September 11)
• December 12, 2026 (November 6)
• February 27, 2027 (January 22)
• April 10, 2027 (March 5)
• June 12, 2027 (May 7)
• July 10, 2027 (June 4)

There are several tutors hoping to help students with various subjects or testing. A list can be found on the post grad website.

There will be a 7-week, in-person SAT prep course at DU this fall for $195. There is also a live online option. The course will be hosted at the University of Denver and taught by a Harvard graduate. A live online option is also available, and families may choose between the in-person and virtual formats. Students who complete the course often see score increases of 200+ points.

Course Details

· 27-hour comprehensive SAT prep course

· Includes 3 proctored practice exams

· Runs for 7 weeks, beginning in Oct

· Taught live by a 99th percentile instructor with real-time student interaction

· Total cost: $195

Campus Prep has offered these popular courses at the University of Denver for the past 7 years and has served as the official SAT provider for the Boulder Valley School District. Spots are limited and courses tend to fill quickly. Apply here: https://www.campusprep.org/sat (applications take about 60 seconds).

Questions? please contact us at admin@campusprep.org or call (877) 805-2521.

This is available for free in the Library every Access period, after school Mon-Thurs from 2:45-3:30, before school on silver days from 7:15-8:10!

Students sign up online for tutoring using this google form: Sign up for NHS Tutoring

What kind of help can you get from a tutoring session?

• One-on-One tutoring session -- specific skill or assignment

• A study buddy -- study and review for a test

• A homework helper -- while you work on your homework

• A writing coach -- organize your thoughts/edit your written work

• A reading buddy -- help you with your assigned reading

General Reminder: All seniors need to complete and turn in 20 hours of community service. Your completed hours are posted on your unofficial transcript. Need ideas?

To honor the dedication and bravery of former HRHS students serving in the military, we have a recognition wall for service members at HRHS. If you know of a former student enlisted with the military, I would like to include them in our display case. It is an opportunity for our school community to express gratitude and support for these individuals. Please email me the contact info and I can reach out to them to include their name, branch of the military and a photo/write up if available.

Army National Guard:

• November 11

Marines:

• September 16
• October 21

Follow the HRHS Postgrad Instagram Page!