Admission Terms and Policies

Priority Filing Date

Most of the Illinois State Schools have a priority filing date of November 1. Priority filing is when a school will unconditionally accept students if the students meet admission requirements. This date is the date the schools want to receive all information - transcripts, college test scores and applications. This does not mean you cannot apply later, however the standards might go up after the priority filing date.

Regular Admission

The college has a specific deadline date for regular admission.  Generally, the college will also have a time from for notification of admissions decisions sometime after the application deadline.  For example, the application deadline may be December 15 and notification may be March 31 with an acceptance of admission offer by May 1.

Rolling Admission

Applications are reviewed and candidates are notified as soon as their files are complete. The deadline for admissions is usually open ended and applicants will have a decision in four to six weeks.  Applications are accepted until the freshman class is full.

Open Admission

Students are accepted to the institution if they have earned at least a high school diploma or GED, regardless of high school performance or ACT/SAT score.  The admissions policy is not considered to be competitive.

Early Decision

Early Decision is a special agreement between the applicant and the college and is usually binding.  Essentially, the applicant has signed a contract agreeing to attend the institution if accepted, withdrawing applications to other colleges.  Often applications are due by November 1 and notification is usually given by December 1; however, this varies and the deadline may be as early as October at some institutions.  If a student has strong credentials, using this option may be in his/her favor as it clearly communicates serious intent.  If the student is not accepted for early decision the application may be deferred to the regular decision pool for consideration.

Early Action

Unlike Early Decision, Early Action is not binding.  Typically, the application deadline will be around November 1.  In most cases applicants who are accepted have until May to reply and send in the deposit. Early Action shows a university the applicant has high interest in accepting an offer of admission.  It also allows the applicant to compete in a smaller applicant pool.  If a candidate is not accepted for early action, the application may be deferred to the regular decision pool.

Deferred Enrollment

Many colleges allow an accepted candidate to defer enrollment for a year if he/she plans to work, travel, perform military service or develop an independent study program.  Generally, a student may not defer in order to become a full-time student at another institution.

Admissions policies vary from school to school.  Please consult with individual institutions for specific admission policies.