Boost your college application through priority consideration

As you dive into college admissions, you’ll likely come across the term "priority consideration." But what does priority consideration mean, and why should it be important to you?

What is a priority deadline?

A priority deadline – also called priority consideration and early action deadline – is an earlier application due date set by colleges and universities. Submitting your application before this date shows you have a genuine interest in the school. It may even improve your chances of admission.

Schools with priority deadlines will let potential applicants know about it to help attract motivated students. If you have a school in mind, you could contact its admission officers and ask them if they have an early action deadline.

Priority deadline vs. regular deadline: What’s the difference?

• Timeline: Priority deadlines are earlier than the regular application deadlines.
• Review Process: Applications submitted by the priority deadline are often reviewed by the college ahead of those submitted later. This implies you could receive a response earlier.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Meeting the priority deadline can improve your access to financial aid, scholarships, and housing assignments.

Priority consideration advantages

1. Better chances of admission

• Early review: Applying early gives your application a better shot at being reviewed sooner. With fewer applicants in the initial pool, you may face less competition.
• Demonstrated interest: Colleges appreciate students who show they’re serious about attending. Applying by the priority deadline signals genuine interest, which can sometimes influence admissions decisions.

2. Priority for financial aid and scholarships

• Maximized financial aid: Submitting your FAFSA by the priority deadline increases your chances of receiving more financial aid.
• More scholarship opportunities: Many schools reserve a portion of their scholarship funds for students who apply early. If you meet the priority deadline, you may be first in line for these awards.

3. Increased chances for housing and program enrollment

• Housing: If you are applying to a school with limited on-campus housing, apply early. This can improve your chances of getting the housing you want.
• Program spots: Applying by the priority deadline can help secure a place in your desired major or program. This is a good leg-up for highly competitive programs with limited spots.

4. Earlier decision notifications

• Less stress: Learning your admission decision earlier can provide peace of mind and give you more time to plan your next steps.

Priority consideration disadvantages

While there are clear benefits, priority consideration does come with some potential downsides to keep in mind:

1. Added pressure

• Meeting a priority deadline can create additional stress, especially if you're not fully prepared. Rushing to complete your application may not give you the time you need to make it your best work.

2. Less time to reflect

• If you're working under tight deadlines, you might not have the time to craft thoughtful essays or review all aspects of your application carefully.

3. Binding agreements (For some schools)

• Some colleges offer Early Decision programs, which are binding. These are similar to priority consideration in that they can provide early acceptance. They are different in that you must commit to a school that accepts you through an Early Decision program. While it isn’t binding in a legal sense, colleges share information about students who back out of an early decision acceptance. That could hurt your ability to get into other schools.

How to make the most of priority deadlines

To maximize the benefits of priority consideration and avoid any pitfalls, follow these tips:

• Research deadlines: Know the priority and regular deadlines for each school you’re applying to, so you can plan.
• Start early: Begin your application process as soon as possible to avoid the stress of last-minute submissions. Most schools set a priority deadline due date sometime in November for the fall semester the following fall but check with the school you want to apply for to get specifics.
• Apply to your top choices first: Aim to meet its priority deadline to increase your chances of getting in to your favorite school.
• Seek guidance: Consult with a school counselor or college advisor for tailored advice and assistance with the application process. Be sure to ask how a priority deadline affects access to financial aid, competitive programs and housing.
• Stay organized: Use a checklist or planner to keep track of deadlines and tasks in the application process.

By understanding the ins and outs of priority deadlines, you can strategically increase your chances of success. Applying early can give you advantages, from better admission odds to priority financial aid, housing and scholarships. With the right planning and organization, you might secure your place at your dream school.

Priority consideration at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University doesn’t offer a traditional priority deadline program. But prospective students must apply by Nov. 1 of their senior year to be eligible for CMU’s largest, most competitive scholarships.  

CMU’s medical school does offer an Early Decision program Completed applications are due on Aug. 1 for the next academic year’s fall semester that starts the following August.