When are the scholarship priority deadlines for colleges?

I'm trying to organize my college applications and want to make sure I don't miss any scholarship deadlines. Are there priority dates I should be aware of for different schools?

Absolutely, scholarship priority deadlines are an important aspect of the college application process. However, the exact dates can vary tremendously from one university to another, and also depend on the specific scholarships. Many schools have scholarship priority deadlines that are the same as their Early Action or Early Decision deadlines, usually in early November. But other schools might have distinct priority scholarship deadlines that could be anytime between December and February.

For example, some state universities have scholarship priority deadlines in December. The University of Alabama, for instance, typically has a December 15 priority deadline for scholarships for incoming first-year students.

In contrast, some private universities, like the University of Notre Dame, generally have scholarship applications due around the same time as the regular decision application, which is normally around January 1.

However, all of these deadlines can vary year-to-year and by institution, so it's always crucial to check each school's financial aid website or admission office for the most recent and accurate information.

Lastly, remember that to be eligible for most university-sponsored scholarships, you often need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA opens on October 1, and it's always a good idea to submit this as soon as possible after it opens.

Keep a spreadsheet with all these dates and keep regular check-ins to make sure you don't miss out on these opportunities. Good luck with your applications and scholarship hunting!