When Are College Application Deadlines Typically?

Hey, I'm just beginning my college research and I've realized I know absolutely nothing about application deadlines! Can someone give me a rundown on when most colleges expect applications to be in? I'm curious about both early decision/action and regular decision deadlines. I'd love to hear any advice on staying organized during the application process too. It feels like there's so much to keep track of, and I don’t want to miss out on any opportunities. Thanks!

Sure, happy to help out!

In general, Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadlines are around November 1st. Early Decision II (ED II), which some schools offer, has a deadline typically around January 1st. Regular Decision (RD) applications are usually due around January 1st as well, although some colleges set their regular decision deadlines a bit later, around January 15th or February 1st.

As for keeping track of everything, I'd suggest starting a Google Sheets or an Excel document. You can create columns for the university name, application type (ED, EA, RD), application deadline, and any specific essay requirements each college has.

Checking deadlines on each college's admissions webpage will give you the most accurate information. Consider setting reminders for yourself a few weeks before each deadline as a sort of safety net. That way, you have a built-in time buffer to finalize essays or chase down any last-minute application pieces. It's important to factor in time for your recommenders to write their letters.

Once your applications are in, adjust your tracking sheet to include key decision release dates. These are usually mid-December for ED/EA, late December or early February for ED II, and March/April for RD.

Lastly, frequent check-ins with your school counselor can also be beneficial. They may have experience with students who have applied to the same colleges and can provide additional insights. Good luck with your applications!