Some AICAD schools accept applications on a rolling basis, which means candidates may apply after the posted application deadline, but consideration is given based upon space availability.
Early Decision (also know as Early Action) deadlines are typically in early November with notification arriving sometime in December. Regular Decision deadlines are typically in late January or early February with admissions notification arriving in March.
Early Decision deadlines are binding, which means students must commit to attend should they gain admission. Students need only apply for the deadline provided they are absolutely sure on their decision to enroll.
Important to note: A student's 4th year/senior year grades are not considered in the Early Decision application process, as academic transcripts will not yet reflect these grades in early November.
In some cases, Early Decision deadlines are slightly more competitive then Regular Decision deadlines. Depending on how many students choose this deadline in a given year, there may be a lower acceptance rate to ensure enough available seats for the Regular Decision applicants.