Submit your application

The deadlines of American universities close earlier than we are used to in the Netherlands, so it is important to find out in time about the deadlines for submitting your application and applying for scholarships. Deadlines, application fees, and admission requirements vary by university. Following your shortlist of universities, make a schedule, noting exactly what needs to be submitted on what date.

Making a good planning sheet

A planning sheet, for example in Excel, is a useful method to map out all the different parts and deadlines of the universities. For each university, write down the deadlines and all parts of the application. You can color code the sheet to keep track of whether a document has already been turned in or is yet to be turned in, for example.

Dates of early decision and regular decision deadlines
Common App or other application (including essay, transcripts, reference letters)
TOEFL scores
ACT or SAT scores
Application fees
Financial aid application (CSS Profile)
Any additional components (e.g., portfolio)

Deadlines

Every university has its own deadlines. Always check what deadlines apply to the university of your choice and by which deadline (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular, Late) you want to apply. Applying early often has advantages: there are fewer applications from other students, so you have a better chance of getting a good scholarship, and you usually receive your results in December, before the regular deadlines. This gives you room to apply to some other universities if you are not accepted at your first choice university.

Early Decision

Deadline: usually around 1 November.

Do you have an absolute favorite in your shortlist? Then you might consider submitting an Early Decision application. This is a binding application, which means you promise to actually study at this university if you are admitted. You can submit an Early Decision application to only one university. Given the binding nature of this deadline, it is wise to think carefully about whether or not to take advantage of this opportunity. You will sign a contract at the time of your application, which commits you to attending that university.

Early Action

Deadline: usually around 1 November.

This is a non-binding early deadline. Unlike Early Decision, Early Action does not require you to attend this university after your admission. Certain universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale, have a Restrictive Early Action deadline. In the case of Restrictive Early Action, you can only submit an Early Action application to one university.

Regular Decision

Deadline: usually between 1 January and 15 January.

Regular deadlines are not binding. You can apply to an unlimited number of universities under this application deadline.

Rolling Admissions

Want to apply after January? If there are still enrollments available after the regular deadline has passed, some universities accept applications on a rolling basis. Deadlines vary by university, but in some cases are still open until June. This can be helpful if you still want to submit an additional application; note, however, that fewer scholarships will be available by then.

After the deadlines

Interviews

Certain universities offer you the opportunity to do an (online) interview. An interview is usually not mandatory, but can be a great way to give the university a fuller picture of yourself and at the same time learn more about the university or universities you have applied to. You can usually indicate on the application form whether you want to do an interview or not.

Decisions

Once your application is complete, the wait is on for admission decisions. It usually takes two to three months before you hear from the university. In the meantime, you sometimes have the opportunity to submit additional information, such as a mid-year report. As for the decision, you can expect several scenarios: from immediate admission, to a waiting list, or rejection.