I'm trying to get all my applications in order and want to make sure I don't miss any regular decision deadlines for the schools I'm applying to. Are there common deadlines, or do they vary a lot?
The deadlines for Regular Decision applications vary by school, so it is important to research the specifics for each of the colleges you're interested in. However, there are a few common timeframes you should be aware of.
Slightly over half of colleges have deadlines on January 1. This date is pretty popular among highly selective colleges. Another common Regular Decision deadline is January 15, with many other schools setting deadlines between January 2 and February 1. You will see very few deadlines in December (outside Early Decision/Action dates) and post February 1.
Remember that these are the final dates that you can submit your applications; it's always a good idea to aim to complete them a few days before the official deadline. This will allow you some breathing room in case you encounter any last-minute issues with the application portal, or you need a bit more time to refine your essays.
For the most accurate deadlines, please check on college's admissions website or the Common Application (if the school is present there). Each school might list exact times by which you need to submit your application (for example, by 11:59 PM of the deadline date), and sometimes they specify the time zone as well.
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