The first-year application plans page on the University of Michigan admissions website shows three options: binding Early Decision (ED), non-binding Early Action (EA), and Regular Decision, with both early plans due November 1. Irvine seniors planning to apply to out-of-state public universities have less than four weeks before the deadline.
Who Is Affected by Michigan ED and EA
Seniors planning to apply to the University of Michigan. The website lists the following dates:
| Item | ED | EA | Regular Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | November 1 | November 1 | February 1 |
| Financial aid materials | Due November 15 | Suggested by December 15, due March 1 | Suggested by December 15, due March 1 |
| Decision release | By December 24 | By January 29 | By April 2 |
| Commitment | January 6 | By May 1 | By May 1 |
The applicant, a parent or guardian, and the high school counselor must all sign the Early Decision Agreement, and an admitted ED student must immediately withdraw all other applications. ED outcomes are admit, deny, or postpone; a postponed student who is later admitted is no longer bound by ED. Programs in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance are available only through Regular Decision, with a December 1 deadline.
The website also states that students who choose an early plan but do not submit all required materials by the deadline are moved into the Regular Decision pool.
What to Do Now About Michigan ED and EA
Schedule the ED agreement signatures early. The agreement requires the counselor’s signature, so a student planning to apply ED should tell the counselor soon and leave time for signing. The differences between early plans are explained in Early Decision vs. Early Action: Which Are Binding.
Prepare the financial aid forms at the same time. ED applicants must submit the FAFSA and the CSS Profile by November 15, and aid packages follow the admission decision. The status of both forms is covered in Brief: FAFSA Is Open, California Deadline Is March 2.
Families who want to coordinate an early application list with University of California applications can learn about EDUBUS university admissions planning.
Sources
- University of Michigan: First-year Application Plans (accessed October 5, 2026)
- University of Michigan: First-year Applicants (accessed October 5, 2026)
- Princeton Essays Out, Early Action Due Nov. 1Princeton released its 2026-27 essay questions; early action applications and the required graded written paper are due November 1. Prompts, word limits, and paper rules.
- Saddleback College Transfer Fair October 7Saddleback College holds its fall transfer university fair on October 7, followed by a UC transfer admissions panel. Events, reservations, and the UC deadline.
- USC Early Decision and Action Close Nov. 1USC lists binding Early Decision and non-binding Early Action for most majors, both due November 1. This brief covers the differences and financial aid dates.
- Irvine Valley College Fall College Fair Nov. 3The Irvine Valley College Transfer Center set its fall college fair for November 3 and scheduled October UC and CSU workshops ahead of the November 30 deadline.
