Does anyone have a general idea of the usual deadlines for Regular Decision college applications? I’m trying to plot out my timeline and want to make sure I'm not missing anything crucial.
Sure, most colleges have a Regular Decision application deadline in early January. Here is a rough timeline of what to expect:
- Regular Decision Deadline: This typically falls between January 1 and January 15, but specific dates can vary by institution. Some liberal arts colleges and public universities have later deadlines, extending into February.
- Financial Aid Forms Submission: With your applications wrapped up, ensure that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile (if required by your colleges) are completed as soon as possible. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year and the sooner you file it, the better.
- Admissions Decisions Notification: Colleges usually release decisions between late March and early April. Dates vary based on each institution's timeline.
- Commitment to a College: National College Decision Day is May 1. By that date, you should have accepted an offer of admission and submitted a deposit to hold your place in the matriculating class at your college of choice.
Now, these dates are just the general timeline. You might want to check the specific dates for the colleges you're interested in, as the timelines can vary. Frame your application process with these key milestones in mind, and ensure to have everything prepared ahead of the respective deadlines. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.