When Does College Typically Start?

I'm getting myself organized and prepped for senior year and college applications. But, I'm a little unsure about timelines. When do most colleges typically start their academic year?

The start of the academic year can vary from school to school, but it's fairly common for universities and colleges in the United States to start their fall semester in late August or early September. A large number of colleges operate on a semester system with the fall semester starting anytime from late August to the first week of September, often concluding in mid-December.

Some schools run on a quarter or trimester system, where the terms might start slightly later in September. Schools using trimesters usually have three terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring.

All of that being said, it's always a good idea to verify this information with the specific colleges you're interested in since timelines can vary. Usually, you can find academic calendars on the school's official website. And remember, if you are living on campus, you will often need to move in a week or so before classes start for orientation.