What's the Common App Application Deadline for Colleges?

I'm in the process of applying to colleges and want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines. I know a lot of schools use the Common App, but I'm confused about when exactly the application is due. Are there specific dates I should be aware of, especially for regular decision? Also, do the deadlines differ for early action or early decision?

The Common App opens on August 1st each year, but the actual deadlines for submission vary by college. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow.

For regular decisions, most colleges set their deadline on January 1 or January 15. There are a handful of schools with deadlines in late December, and a few with deadlines in February, but the lion's share of colleges stick to the beginning of January.

For early action and early decision, deadlines usually fall in November. A typical deadline for EA or ED is November 1 or November 15. Some schools may have earlier deadlines in October, especially if they offer an Early Decision II round.

Remember, these deadlines are the last possible date to submit your application – it’s best to aim ahead of the deadline to ensure you aren’t rushed and can overcome any last-minute technical issues that may arise.

Make sure to check each college's specific deadline on their admissions website or on the Common App itself to avoid missing out. It's important to be aware that some colleges may also have different deadlines for specific programs or scholarships.

Lastly, keep in mind that any supplemental material, such as letters of recommendation or transcripts, also needs to be submitted by the deadline. Ensure that your recommenders and school counselor are aware of these timelines.