Early Decision

Early Decision (ED) could be the best option if you’re sure that COA is your top choice. Applying ED will not affect your odds of acceptance, or your financial aid package. The primary benefit of applying ED is that you will receive notification of our admission decision much earlier than if you apply Regular Decision. You may apply ED I or ED II. Both function the same way, but have different deadlines. Feel free to reach out to an admission staff member to determine whether ED I or ED II is the best option for you. 

IMPORTANT: Early Decision is binding. This means if you are accepted as an ED applicant, you are obligated to withdraw your applications from all other colleges. The ED application is made official when you submit our Early Decision Agreement, which you’ll find in your application.

Regular Decision

Regular Decision is the traditional way to apply to college and is nonbinding. It’s probably your best option if you haven’t yet settled on which college you plan to attend.

Application and financial aid deadlines may be found here, along with the dates you can expect to hear from us regarding admission decisions. Please be aware that Regular Decision applicants will not receive admission decisions until spring.

COA Life

  • pier_dusk

    COA’s pier at twilight.

  • class in Straus Room

    Students give presentations in a sustainable business class.

    Jason P. Smith

  • Gates center and red bricks in spring

    Students outside the Gates Center in spring

    Jason P. Smith

  • Turrets aerial winter

    Turrets and Frenchman Bay in winter, from the air

  • 2D design critique

    Students prepare for a critique in 2D Design.

    Rose Dawson

  • Bio 2 in the bog

    Faculty Nishi Rajakaruna looks at bog flora with Bio 2 students.

    Rose Dawson

  • rehearsing telephone

    Students rehearse for a performance of the play “Telephone.”

  • Students in the lab with seaweed

    Pressing seaweed specimens in the lab.

    Rose Dawson

  • drafting studio

    Students at work in the drafting studio.

    Jason P. Smith

  • herpetology class frog

    Students in the Herpetology class with a frog.

    Michelle Doucette

  • Karen and Catherine class

    Class in the library seminar room.

    Jason P. Smith

  • Pier

    COA pier at sunrise

    Rose Dawson

  • sarah hall class

    Geology class in Acadia.

    Jason P. Smith

  • student clam flat survey

    Students participate in a clam flat survey in Frenchman Bay.

    Megan McCosker

  • students computers

    Jason P. Smith

  • Turrets roof and blue sky in winter

    Bright winter skies over the Turrets.

  • winter storm

    Winter storm – view of Bar Island from campus.

    Laura Montenari