*College Vocabulary*

"Reach" School  A College or University who's average admission standards (GPA and SAT/ACT scores) exceed your GPA and SAT scores.
"Target" School A College or University who's average admission standards (GPA and SAT/ACT scores) match your GPA and SAT scores.
"Safety" School There is no longer such a thing as a safety school. All colleges and universities are very competitive and there is no guarantee that you will be accepted anywhere. Consider schools that you expect to be admitted to as "possible safety"
Early Decision Application type that is binding! This means that if you are accepted to this school, you must attend. Hence, you can only apply to 1 school under Early Decision. You can use this option if you are definitely sure of a particular school that you wish to attend.           

  *most difficult admission process        

 *Applications due: Early Fall

Early Action Similar process to Early Decision, except that it is not binding (in most cases--every school is different). You may apply to more than one school under Early Action. The idea is that you apply early and receive notification earlier than regular decision.                                               

 *Applications due: Early Fall

Regular Decision Common application process. Deadlines range from January through March. Admission determined by April.
Rolling Admissions No Deadline but the earlier the better! This means that schools are reviewing applications and making decisions sooner, so send your applications in as soon as possible.