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What are the common deadlines of most college applications?

Hi, I've been trying to work out a schedule to keep myself organized during the application process. Can anyone here tell me about the typical deadlines that most college applications have? Mainly looking for information about the standard cycle, not necessarily for early action or early decision. Thanks!

a year ago

Sure, happy to help out with that! For Regular Decision (RD), which forms a significant part of the standard admissions cycle, deadlines typically fall between January 1st and February 1st. However, this can vary depending on the individual college, so it's crucial you confirm these dates on each school's official website.

For example, a university might have a January 1st deadline, whereas another university could accept applications until February 1st. It is also worth noting that some colleges will have a priority deadline for RD applications, which might fall in December, but will still accept applications after this date. The priority deadline can be beneficial if you're keen on maximizing your consideration for financial aid or particular programs, as the spots might fill up quickly.

Additional important dates are feasible around December 1st to the 15th, when colleges send out decisions for early applications (although you mentioned you're not as interested in these). You'll also start receiving your RD decisions typically around March and up to the first week of April. By May 1st, AKA National College Decision Day, you'll have to make your final choice and submit a deposit to secure your spot.

Always make sure to verify these dates for each school you're applying to, as some might even have rolling admissions, meaning they accept applications until they fill all spots in the freshman class.

Stay organized and proactive in this process — best of luck!

a year ago

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