November 1, December 1, Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Deadline – what do all these dates and words mean? These days, the average high school student is juggling many different schools and trying to keep straight dorm life, majors offered, as well as the ever important application dates. Well, if you’re sitting there trying to figure out what Elon’s deadlines mean – then this post is for you. We have broken down all of our deadlines so you can find the one that is best for YOU.
When Should I Apply?
Deadline: Early Decision (November 1*)
- What it means: If you have visited campus 5 times, purchased everything in the bookstore and have already started memorizing the campus map, then you might want to consider Early Decision. No, but really. The Early Decision Deadline is for students whose first choice is absolutely Elon.
- What you need to know: It is binding. Notification is December 1. If you are accepted under Early Decision, you agree to withdraw all applications from other schools and submit the nonrefundable deposit by January 10. Students are only allowed to apply Early Decision to one institution.
- What it’s not: Early Decision is not for the student whose financial aid package, performing arts audition or athletic try-out determines if he/she will be attending Elon. All of these notifications are released after the deposit deadline of January 10.
Deadline: Early Decision Gap Semester Program (November 1*)
- What it means: The Gap Semester Program is a fun and innovative way to start out your college experience. It is for the student who is looking for a less traditional path for their first semester of college. You spend three weeks exploring the wilderness at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming, complete four weeks of community service projects in various states, and spend six weeks studying abroad in Costa Rica. For more information, check out the Gap Semester website. Gap Semester Students will begin traditional coursework at Elon beginning in the January immediately following their winter break.
- What you need to know: If you are 100% committed to Elon AND participating in the Gap Semester Program, this option is for you. It is a binding agreement and you will be required to withdraw all other applications if you are accepted. Gap Semester students can still receive Presidential and Elon Engagement Scholarships, but due to program curriculum restrictions, cannot apply for Fellows.
- What it’s not: This program is not for the student who wants to be on Elon’s campus during their first semester. We are looking for students who want to do something different – through service, leadership and travel experiences. It is not for the student whose financial aid package determines if he/she will be attending Elon. If you are interested in the Gap Semester Program, but you cannot commit to the binding nature of Early Decision, please consider applying to the Gap Semester Program through the non-binding Final Deadline option.
Deadline: Early Action (November 10*)
- What it means: If you are really interested, and have Elon as one of your top choices, and can see yourself attending the university, but can’t make the binding commitment of Early Decision, you should think about applying under this deadline.
- What you need to know: You receive early notification (December 20) and you still have until May 1 to make your decision. You are allowed to apply to as many schools as you would like under this deadline. It is also our most academically competitive deadline.
- What it’s not: It is non-binding. You have time to weigh your other acceptances, financial aid packages, athletic try-outs, or anything else that factors into your decision to attend an institution.
Deadline: Regular Deadline (January 10*)
- What it means: This is the final application deadline for freshman admission. Any applications after this date are considered on a space-available basis.
- What you need to know: Notification is March 15 and you have until May 1 to make your decision. It is also a non-binding deadline.
Deadline: Final Deadline Gap Semester Program (January 10*)
- What it means: The Gap Semester Program is a fun and innovative way to start out your college experience. It is for students who are looking for a less traditional path for their first semester of college. You spend three weeks exploring the wilderness at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming, complete four weeks of community service projects in various states, and spend six weeks studying abroad in Costa Rica. For more information, check out the Gap Semester website. Gap Semester Students will begin traditional coursework at Elon beginning in the January immediately following their winter break.
- What you need to know: This deadline is non-binding (January 10) and you have until May 1 to make your decision. This is the deadline to apply under if you cannot commit to either Elon or the Gap Semester Program through binding nature of Early Decision. If you think the Gap Semester sounds interesting but you are still unsure about participating, this deadline may be best for you. Gap Semester students can still receive Presidential and Elon Engagement Scholarships, but due to program curriculum restrictions, cannot apply for Fellows.
- What it’s not: This deadline is not for students who want to be on campus at Elon for the fall semester. We are looking for students who want to do something different – through service, leadership and travel experiences.
*All application materials must be postmarked by the dates listed.
Want to get started on your application? Go here. Or, still have questions? Get in touch with your admissions counselor ASAP! We are happy to help! Also, if you’re a visual person, please refer to our deadline chart on our website.
We look forward to reading your applications!
-Lauren Fellmeth ’10
Assistant Director of Admissions