Approaching each admissions cycle, one of the key choices our applicants contemplate focuses on whether to apply by November 1 (Restrictive Early Action) or January 3 (Regular Decision). This choice can cause debate. While our admissions team does not direct students to either cycle, we offer some general guidance for consideration.
Restrictive Early Action (REA)
An applicant’s degree of interest in enrolling at Notre Dame should not be the singular reason to choose REA. Typically, REA applicants have produced consistently strong classroom performances during high school. They have prepared their written responses, detailed their significant experiences and interests, and secured encouraging school endorsements. They believe their applications to be informative and complete, ready to send our way for consideration. If you believe your application to Notre Dame provides the most impressive academic profile possible and the most complete summary of your story, talents, and aspirations before or by November 1, REA may be your preferred option.
Regular Decision (RD)
A majority of our applicants choose RD to take additional time to prepare and submit their applications. They may want to secure information that will enhance their overall profiles—most often, their first-semester senior grades. They may want to highlight yearly upward trends in their academic performances or note recoveries from earlier semesters that did not showcase their ability accurately. They may want extra time to complete their writing prompts and expand upon their extracurricular achievements. In some cases, RD will be the necessary choice as applicants pursue an Early Decision (binding) college or university during the fall.
Know that our admissions counselors are always available to discuss your thoughts on the timing of your application’s submission. No matter your deadline choice, we will review your application with great care and consideration. It is our honor to learn all about you!
Alisa Fisher is a senior associate director with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
She is the regional counselor for:
- Illinois (Chicago - Evanston, North Shore, Northwest and Western Suburbs, Skokie)
- Balkans (Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Kosovo, Serbia, Romania, Slovenia)