The journey from high school to college is an exciting time in any student's life. As you embark on this new chapter, it's crucial to stay organized and be aware of the important dates associated with the college application process. In this blog, we'll guide you through the key dates you need to remember, ensuring you don't miss any critical milestones on your path to college.
Summer Before Senior Year
While summer is a time for relaxation, it's also a great opportunity to make significant progress in your college applications. Use this time wisely to set yourself up for success in the upcoming application season.
July:
Finalize your college list, including comfortable, confident, and concerned schools.
Research scholarships and grants to identify potential financial aid opportunities.
Begin drafting your personal statement or college essay. Seek guidance from teachers or counselors for feedback and revisions.
August 1:
The Common Application opens on August 1, allowing you to begin filling out your applications.
Create an account on the Common Application or other college application platforms.
Review application requirements for each college and make note of specific essay prompts and supplementary materials.
Request letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well and can speak to your abilities, strengths, and character.
Senior Year
Senior year marks the culmination of your high school journey and the beginning of your college adventure. Here's a breakdown of important dates and deadlines during this crucial period:
October 1:
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS Profile become available. Complete these financial aid forms as soon as possible to maximize your eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans.
Important note: Due to the launch of the new version of the FAFSA, the 2024-2025 form won't be available to students until early December. In future years, the FAFSA will return to its October 1 opening date.
November 1 or November 15:
Early Action (EA) Deadline: Early Action is an application option that lets you apply to colleges early and get an admission decision sooner than the Regular Decision timeline. The best part about Early Action is that it's not binding, which means you have until May 1 to decide which college you want to attend.
When it comes to Early Action applications, the general deadline for submission is in November, usually either November 1 or November 15. It's important to note that a few colleges, such as the United States Coast Guard Academy, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), and Georgia Tech (for Georgia students only), have an Early Action deadline of October 15. If you're interested in applying to these schools, make sure that your application is submitted by October 15 to be considered for early admission.
Early Decision (ED) Deadline: Early Decision is a type of application that is binding. If you apply to a college through Early Decision and they accept you, it means that you must attend that college unless the financial aid they offer is not enough for you. It's a serious commitment, so you need to be certain that the college you choose is your top choice.
For most schools, November 1 is the deadline for an Early Decision application. However, some schools have their Early Decision application deadline on November 15 or even later, such as December 1.
Be sure to check the specific Early Action or Early Decision deadlines for the colleges you are interested in. Plan your standardized testing accordingly as well. For these early application programs, usually the last ACT date you can take is in October, and the last SAT date is in November. This allows your scores to be available in time.
November 30:
University of California (UC) Application Deadline: All UC applications are due before midnight on November 30. For those applying from outside the state of California, remember that this is 12 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST).
January 1 or January 15:
Regular Decision (RD) Deadline: The most common deadline for Regular Decision applications is January 1. Many colleges set this date as the final opportunity to submit your application for regular consideration. However, January 15 is also a popular deadline among several colleges for Regular Decision applications.
February, March, or April:
Late Application Deadlines: Some colleges offer late application deadlines beyond January. These schools may have deadlines in February, March, or even April. If you find yourself needing more time or if you discover new schools of interest later in the application season, you can explore these options.
March to early April:
Admission Decision Releases: Many colleges release their admission decisions on or around this time. This is an exciting time as you await the outcome of your applications. Stay proactive and check your application portals or email frequently for updates on your application status.
Ivy Day, usually in late March, is when all Ivy League schools announce their regular admissions decisions online. On a fun note, MIT typically releases admissions decisions on Pi (π) Day, which falls on March 14 every year.
May 1:
National College Decision Day: This is the deadline for submitting enrollment deposits to secure your spot at the college of your choice. Have $300 - $700 ready for the deposit, as amounts may vary by institution. This is a significant step in confirming your college plans and officially committing to your chosen institution.
When it comes to the college application process, staying organized and being aware of the important deadlines is crucial. Use the summer before senior year to make progress on your applications, understand your financial aid options, and craft a compelling personal statement. Be mindful of the specific deadlines for Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision applications, and stay on top of any additional requirements or updates from colleges. Lastly, celebrate your achievements as you receive admission decisions and make an informed decision by National College Decision Day. Good luck on your college application journey!
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